The javelin is a particularly exciting throwing event as it can fly through the air for 300ft or more. Because it relies on natural throwing ability it is arguably one of the most natural athletic events alongside the 100m sprint.
The technique
Anyone who has a “natural arm” and hence the ability to throw anything a decent way will be at a distinct advantage when throwing the javelin. Being tall is not essential but it does help as the men’s javelin is almost 9ft long and the women’s javelin is 7½ft.
For the javelin athletes take a run and the technique is similar to that of throwing a cricket ball over-arm. The spear is very aerodynamic, and if the athlete can time things just right it can travel a long way – however, it is also at the mercy of the wind. Over the years throwers have on occasion beaten the technology and thrown the javelin so far it has been in danger of reaching the other end of the stadium, so from time to time the centre of gravity within the javelin is brought forward to hinder the distance.
Spiked boots are essential to help throwers slow down quickly after throwing to avoid straying over the line and committing a foul.
Statistics
The current men's world record-holder is Czech athlete Jan Železný, with a distance of 98.48m, set in 1996.
The current women's world record-holder is held by another Czech – Barbara Spotakova, with a distance of 72.28m, set in 2008.