Ancient Olympic Games:
Two
javelin events. Distance and accuracy.
The
javelin was thrown with a thong. Spinning javelin.
Modern
Olympic Games
1908
Olympics: Javelin began for men.
1932
Olympics: Javelin began for women.
Initially
the rules changed continuously.
Two
handed version. Thrown with each hand and two throws added together.
No
run-up version.
No
holding javelin at centre of gravity.
Javelins
made of wood with a steel tip.
1986:
IAAF announced modern javelin rules.
1991:
Modifications using holes, rough paint or dimples), were forbidden.
Current
IAAF rules:
Hollow
metal javelin.
Nonorthodox
techniques are not permitted. The javelin must be held at its grip and thrown
overhand, over the athlete's shoulder or upper arm. The elbow must come through
first. The tip of the javelin must hit the ground before any other part of the
javelin. The point of impact must be inside the sector lines to be a valid
throw.
The
athlete is prohibited from turning completely around or starting with their
back facing the direction of the throw.
The
javelin is thrown towards a throwing sector that is centered on the center
point of the throwing arc. A throw is only legal if the tip of the
javelin lands within this sector and first strikes the ground with its tip
before any other part.
Tokyo
Olympics
Men:
87.58
Neeraj
Chopra India Gold
Jakub
Vadleich Czech Republic Silver
Vitezslay
Vesely Czech Republic Bronze
Women 66.34m
Liu
Shiyina China Gold
Maria
Andrejczyk Poland Silver
Kelsey-Lee
Barber Australia Bronze
World
Record
Jan
Zelezny Czech
Republic 98m 1996
Barbora Spotakova Czech
Republic 78m 2008
When
Jeff Thompson, the famous fast bowler, was young he was a champion javelin
thrower. He won NSW under age titles.
My
aim when I throw the javelin is to imagine I am bowling a cricket ball. Bowling I understand and are familiar
with.
I
do a few practice throws. A lady, Nic, says: You have to throw the javelin. Not
bowl it. Carry the javelin with a straight arm and throw it with a bent arm.
Cary the javelin with your hand at eye level. Imagine you are throwing a
cricket ball. Not bowling it.
I
try and carry and throw as Nic says. I have trouble running and holding the
javelin with a straight arm. Nic says okay carry the javelin with your hand at
eye level with a bent arm and straighten your arm the last few steps before the
throw.
I
throw as Nic says. My conclusion. She knows what she is talking about. She is
helping me throw the javelin further.
Nic
is one of a group of people trying to throw a long piece of metal further. I
love this group of people. I love the fact their aim is to throw a javelin as
long as possible. You could say their aim is pointless or the javelin is
pointless but I disagree.
They
are all healthy. Physically, emotionally, socially and mentally. They all have
time to stand around. They all have time
to waste.
They
all throw completely differently. The throws vary considerably. From long to quite
not as long. From a beautiful landing to flopping and skidding. From in the
throwing sector to foul.
Also
everybody has a different back story. Some have thrown the javelin forever.
Some threw when younger, had a break and returned recently. Some are like me.
My back story is at the age of 64 I decided to throw a long piece of metal as
far as possible.
In the process I have learnt much about myself and encountered an amazing group of people all with the same aim. Of learning more about themselves by trying to improve their javelin PB.
