How it works
Athletes throw, using one arm, a metal-tipped javelin as far as possible after a maximum run-up of 36.5m. The athlete must hold the javelin by its corded grip with his or her little finger closest to its tip.
The men’s javelin must weigh at least 800g and be 2.6-2.7m long; the women’s must weigh 600g and be 2.2-2.3m long.
For the throw to be measured the athlete must not turn his or her back to the landing area at any stage during their approach and throw; they must throw the javelin over the upper part of their throwing arm; and they must not cross the foul line, aka scratch line, at any time. The javelin must also land tip first and within the marked 29-degree sector.
If the tip touches the ground first the throw is measured from this point.
In the event of a tie the winner will be the athlete with the second-longest throw, and so on.
History
The javelin throw as sport evolved from the everyday use of the spear in hunting and warfare, and was widely practised in Ancient Greece. It was incorporated into the Olympic Games in 708 BC as part of the pentathlon. It has been part of the Modern Olympics' programme since 1908 (for men) and 1932 (for women).
Did you know
In 1986 the javelin was redesigned: its centre of gravity was moved forward by 4cm. This shortened throwing distances by approximately 10 per cent by bringing its nose down earlier and more steeply. This was done because the men were in danger of throwing the javelin beyond the space available in stadiums.
Gold standard
European male athletes have dominated in recent times, with Finland, Germany, Russia, Britain and Sweden having enjoyed success. The same nations, plus Greece and Cuba, lead the way on the women’s front.
Icons
Jan ZeleznyThe Czech is the only man to win three successive Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996 and 2000); he won silver in 1988. He also won three world titles (1993, 1995 and 2001).
Trine HattestadThe Norwegian achieved the lot: she set three world records, won two world titles (1993 and 1997) and one European (1994). But her crowning glory was when she won Olympic gold in 2000.