Javeling throw
Rules
Unlike other throwing sports, athletes do not use a circle, but a track (with a coating similar to that for running) to accelerate before throwing. Athletes make three attempts each, and the best eight are selected based on the best result. Those who enter this eight make three more throws and the winner is determined by the best result of all six attempts. Accordingly, attempts in which the athlete crossed the line at the end of the track are not counted. Also, attempts in which the spear flew out of the allotted sector, or did not stick into the ground, but fell flat are not taken into account. Men’s spears must weigh at least 800 g and be 2.6 – 2.7m long. Women’s spears must weigh 600 g and be 2.2m – 2.3m long.
History
Javelin throwing as a sport has evolved from the daily use of spears for hunting and war. It was widely used in Ancient Greece. And included in the Olympic Games in 708 BC as part of the pentathlon. The discipline has been included in the Olympic Games program since 1908 for men and 1932 for women.
Interesting facts
In 1984, an East German javelin thrower Uwe Hohn completed a record throw of 104.80 m, while the spear stuck into the ground just 2 m from the edge of the field. Such long-range throws led to the need to change the projectile, since javelin throwing could be banned from stadiums altogether due to insecurity. As a result, the center of gravity of the spear was shifted forward, which led to an earlier lowering of the projectile’s nose, and reduced the range of the throw by about 10%. The female version of the javelin (600 g versus 800 g for men) also underwent changes in 1999.
Records
Men: Jan Zhelezny 98.48 m 1996.
Women: Barbara Shpotakova 72.28 m 2008.
Olympic records.
Men: Andreas Thorkildsen 90.57 m 2008
