A throwing Olympic field event in which athletes hurl a long spear-like implement for maximum distance after a running approach.
Origin and rules
The javelin throw was contested in the ancient Greek pentathlon and reentered the modern Olympics in 1908. After dangerous flat throws of the 1980s, the javelin was redesigned in 1986 to nose-dive on landing.
How it plays
The men’s javelin weighs 800 grammes and the women’s 600 grammes. Athletes run a sprint approach, then deliver the javelin overhead in a smooth release. The longest legal throw across six attempts wins. The implement must land tip first.
Competition
The World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games headline the calendar. Jan Zelezny holds the men’s world record at 98.48 metres. Barbora Spotakova holds the women’s record at 72.28 metres. Neeraj Chopra and Julius Yego are among recent stars.
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Javelin Throw starts with J and ends with W. Browse other sports along the same letter.
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