History of Javelin Throwing

The javelin throw is an athletic event inspired by hunting and warfare. The spear-like apparatus was first used as a weapon and later by ancient Greeks in the early Olympic Games. Initially two events, the javelin toss has now been narrowed to one. Though differing in material and slightly in size, today's javelin has retained its original slender shape.

  1. Ancient Greek Olympics

    • Javelin throwing was an important part of the Olympic Games held in ancient Greece. Participants competed in two separate events, challenging each other for distance and accuracy. In the accuracy portion, athletes threw while saddled upon a galloping horse toward the target. Javelin throwing was also part of the pentathlon.

    Grip

    • The javelin was wrapped with a strap of leather when used for competition in Greek times. Called a thong, hurlers tied it to the javelin to strengthen their grip and adjust the center of gravity on the pole. Placed in the right spot, the fine-tuning would increase distance.

    Materials

    • Javelins were traditionally made of olive wood until the late 1700s, when they became crafted out of hickory. The hickory javelins doubled the weight from 400 to 800 grams and were slightly elongated. Today's javelins are made out of various metals.

    Modern Olympics

    • The javelin throw became an official Olympic event for men in 1908. In 1932, it became an official women's event as well. In addition, the javelin is a part of the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon (compo'sed of seven events).

    Current Regulations

    • The governing body of rules and regulations for javelin throwing is the International Association of Athletics Federations. In 1986, after distance throws were surpassing the 100-meter threshold, the IAAF dictated changes in the instrument's manufacture. The center of gravity was pushed forward by four centimeters, resulting in a 10 percent loss in distance. The change also reduced problems in which many tosses were landing flat rather than sticking in the ground.