Q Throwing – anyone can do that, right?
A Of course they can. It’s great fun and there are lots of disciplines to try. Take your pick.
Q What kind or personality makes for the best throwers?
A If you are talking about world-class throwers, it’s someone who is athletic, powerful and who really, really loves to throw things. If you have those qualities you can develop into a top-class thrower.
Q How do I pick which type of throw to take up?
A The bigger athletes tend to be shot putters or hammer throwers and the medium-sized athletes try the discus or the javelin, although people are too often pigeonholed early in their career. The javelin tends to be the one discipline that you either can or can’t do. It is easier to learn and develop in the other throwing disciplines.
Q What’s the toughest form of throwing?
A They are all tough in their own way. I found javelin quite easy, but it becomes technically tough once you get to a certain level. But all the throws are enjoyable and the beauty of them is that you can measure your improvement.
Q How much will it cost to buy all the kit I’ll need?
A It’s a bit like golf in that the top-of-the-range equipment will cost you thousands of pounds but the bottom end is as cheap as chips. You can buy a basic javelin for £30. And a javelin is the most expensive throwing implement. The others are just balls of steel: a top-of-the-range discus is about £100-£120 and a hammer is less than £100. However, all four throws are potentially very dangerous, so I wouldn’t advise anyone to start chucking a shot or a hammer down their local park. It should always be carried out in a controlled environment with all the safety precautions in place.
Q What’s the best way to pick an athletics club?
A I would suggest visiting UK Athletics' website to take a look at your local clubs. A lot of clubs now have their own websites, too. Probably the best thing is to get yourself down to one on a club night, feel the buzz and, if there is a coach there who will take you on, go for it.
Q How do the training plans vary between the throws?
A Beginners often just want to go out and throw. However, I always recommend people who want to get into athletics – even if they want to be a thrower – to get involved in their club’s running squads and jumping squads in order to improve their all-round fitness and athleticism. Also, carry out more weight training, or throw medicine balls around, to improve your core stability. Throwing requires a strengthening of the whole body.
Q Can you learn much from watching top-level throwers?
A It’s good to watch them because they show what can be done. But what perhaps you won’t realise is that they will have been training and competing for 10-20 years. It’s a long road to the top.
Q What kind of diet should I be on?
A You should be eating healthily regardless of whether you are involved in athletics. My only advice would be to eat a good, balanced diet.
Q Is there any sort training that I should be doing away from the events?
A Yes. I really support trying lots of other sports. There is nothing wrong with playing a bit of football, etc.
Q What’s the best piece of throwing advice you’ve ever been given and who gave it to you?
A “Throw it further!” By my former coach Wilf Paish.