Javelin

Javelin throwing is a field event for men and women. Athletes compete to see which of them can throw a spear like projectile over the greatest distance. As well as being a sport in its own right, javelin throwing is one of the events included in pentathlon and decathlon competitions.

Target Area

Athletes run up to the throwing line along a synthetci track, 4m wide, that may extend across the athletics track. Beyond the line, the landing area is a sector, usually of grass, that fans out at 29 degrees for about 100m.

In Competiton

Athletes get 3 throws each, unless there are fewer than eight competitors, in which case they throw six times. Once prepared, they have 90 seconds to take their turn. For the throw to be legal, an athlete must stay behing the line at the end of hte runway untill the javelin lands and the javelin must come dwon point first within the landing sector.

The Spear

 

  • Metal Tip
    • The head measures 25cm. It is made from metal and must be smooth

 

  • Sporting Spear Grip
    •  A cord grip is wrapped around the fulcrum of the shaft

 

  • Back Support
    • A belt may be worm to help  support the back

 

  • Spear lengths
    • Men's is 2.6 or 2.7m long and weights 800g
    • Women's is 2.2 or 2.3 long and weights 600g