Javelin: A Story of Warfare and Sport
Javelin: History, Rules, Top Athletes, Training and More
Javelin is now a popular Olympic track and field event, but it wasn't always a mainstream sport.
The Sporting Blog takes a look at how javelin throw went from warfare to sport.
The javelin was originally used as a weapon, but it’s now a popular sport
Javelin or the javelin throw is a track and field sport where an athlete throws a spear as far as possible, after a small run-up to gain momentum.
The original javelin was made out of wood and had a steel tip, but in 1950 an American thrower, Bud Held, and his brother Dick designed a hollow, aerodynamic javelin.
The newly designed javelin equipment was made out of steel, and it flew much further than the original model. However, this new design was unlikely to land as neatly.
Later, in the 1980s, modifications were made to provide the athletes with a javelin which minimised the risk of flat and obscure landings, and combined it with this aerodynamic design.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the game of javelin.
Javelin History and Origins
Javelin comes from Ancient Greece, and it has its origins in warfare, with this game originating from hunting and defence practices.
Later, it was included in the Olympic Games as a part of the pentathlon in 708 BC. The pentathlon had five different types of competition and the javelin, for both men and women, soon became one of them.
Modern-Day Javelin
Javelin became a recognised sport in the twentieth century, leaving its warfare origins behind.
It’s one of many track and field events held at the Summer Olympics, alongside events such as shotput, discus and hammer. The men's javelin event was introduced in 1908 and the women's javelin was added in 1932.
Javelin has recently gained popularity, particularly in South Asia, and the 2021 Olympic gold medal winner was from India.
How Javelin Works
The javelin should be held at the grip and thrown over the shoulder, and the back is not supposed to be in the direction of the throw.
This was decreed after some athletes started experimenting with a spin technique referred to as "freestyle”. World Athletics (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations) devised the current javelin throwing technique to disallow this practice.
The athletes have a run-up of 4m (13 ft.) wide and 30m (98 ft.) length, which ends in an arc from which their throw is measured.
Athletes use the runway to gain momentum for their throw, and the javelin is then thrown towards the area, creating an angle of 28.96 degrees. It extends outwards from the arc.
A throw is considered legal only when the tip of the javelin lands within the calculated area and penetrates the ground.
The distance is then measured from the point of the throw to where the tip landed. The competition usually lasts three to six rounds, and each round includes one attempt by each athlete.
The Rules of Javelin
Javelin throwers must follow a strict set of rules for this Olympic event:
The javelin must be held at the grip and is to be thrown over-hand above the athlete's shoulder.
The thrower cannot turn their body completely in a way that their back faces the direction of the throw.
The technique of the throw should follow the rules which are set by the IAAF.
The throw is only counted if the tip of the javelin lands within the specified area before any other part of the javelin hits the ground.
The athlete with the longest distance recorded after every round is considered the winner, and if a tie occurs, the second-longest distance is considered.
Training for Javelin
The grip is the most important part of this game. The javelin rests on the palm and over the shoulder.
There are three styles to rest the javelin: the finish, the fork and the American. It’s also important to increase speed while maintaining control during the run-up.
A javelin athlete has to focus on three things:
Speed
Throwing technique
Strength
Why Athletes Choose Javelin
Javelin is dependent on good core strength. It revolves around how the arm and muscle movements are controlled.
Barbora Spotakova, the women’s javelin throw world record holder
The greatest javelin throwers must train and practice for it- and they need focus and passion to succeed.
It’s a fun and exciting way to stay fit, with athletes practising this game and participating in tournaments to earn success for themselves and their country.
Javelin: A Story of Warfare and Sport
Javelin has been an indicator of physical strength and fitness since the mid-1900s.
Beginning as a weapon used for hunting, javelin has since made its way to the Olympic Games, evolving from a game of warfare to a sport of champions!
