Throwing History

Discus

Discus Info

• Weight: 2KG
• Thrown from a circle 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in diameter
• Discus throwers must not touch the top rim of the circle
• Touching outside the circle = foul throw
• Throw must land within a marked sector

Discus History

The discus throw dates back to 708 BC. It was revived in the 1870s and entered the Olympics in 1896. Frantisek Janda-Suk introduced rotation techniques that transformed the sport.

Notable Athletes

1. Mykolas Alekna: Lithuanian world record holder with 75.56 meters.
2. Frantisek Janda-Suk: Invented full-body rotation technique.
3. Gabriele Reinsch: Women's world record holder with 76.80 meters.

Shot Put

Shot Put Info

• Weight: 7.26 kg (men), 4 kg (women)
• Thrown from a 7-foot diameter circle
• Must be "put" not thrown, from the shoulder
• Athlete must not step out of the circle
• Throw must land in marked sector

Shot Put History

The shot put originated in Scotland in the 1800s. It became a modern Olympic event in 1896. The glide and spin techniques were introduced in the 20th century.

Notable Athletes

• Ryan Crouser: American Olympic champion and world record holder.
• Valerie Adams: New Zealand's multi-time Olympic and World champion.

Javelin

Javelin Info

• Weight: 800g (men), 600g (women)
• Thrown from a runway at least 30m long
• Must be thrown over the shoulder or upper arm
• Javelin must land tip-first within marked sector
• No turning back or crossing foul line

Javelin History

The javelin throw has roots in ancient warfare and the pentathlon. It entered the modern Olympics in 1908 (men) and 1932 (women). Design changes in the 1980s adjusted flight characteristics.

Notable Athletes

1. Jan Železný: Czech thrower and three-time Olympic gold medalist.
2. Barbora Špotáková: Women's world record holder from the Czech Republic.

Javelin Video

Watch a video about javelin throwing techniques:

Throwing Event Comparison Table