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Hammer throw is one of the events in track and field competitions. A heavy object on the end of a thin wire is hurled for maximum distance. The game dates back to the 15th century. Hammer throw is one of the oldest events in the Olympic Games.

For the men’s division, the hammer weighs around 16 pounds and measures around 3 feet and 11 ¾ inches. For the women’s division, the hammer weighs around 8.82 pounds and measure around 3 feet and 11 inches in length. A winner is decided if he or she can throw the hammer the farthest. It was used to be thought as a strength event, but now it’s more on speed so one can throw the hammer in a farther distance.

The action of throwing involves two swings, then around three or four body rotations in circular motion using a heel-toe movement of the foot. This is then moved in a circular path. It gradually increases its velocity, and then the participant throws the ball from the circle.

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Other Throwing Events

• Shot put — the track and field event where the participants throw a heavy metal ball for maximum distance.
• Discus — athletes attempt to throw a heavy disc object far as they can.
• Javelin — track and field event involving throwing a spear-like implement as far as possible.
• Weight Throw — a family of heavy weight throwing events, in which the objective is to either throw the weight as far as possible or as high as possible.
• Club Throw — a track and field disabled sports event, the objective is to throw a wooden club as far as possible.
• Softball Throw — a track and field discipline in which you throw the ball as far as possible, mostly used in competitions for disadvantaged groups as a substitute for other technical throwing events.
• Klootschieten — German sport in which participants throw a ball as far as they can.

Related Pages

• More track and field events
• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports