Hammer throw Track and field

yury shayunou spinning hammer within circle

the earliest recorded precursors modern hammer throw stem tailteann games of ancient ireland, featured events such throwing either weight attached rope, large rock on wooden handle, or chariot wheel on wooden axle. other ancient competitions included throwing cast iron ball attached wooden handle – root of term hammer throw due resemblance tools. in 16th century england, contests involving throwing of actual blacksmith s sledgehammers recorded. hammer implement standardised in 1887 , competitions began resemble modern event. weight of metal ball set @ 16 pounds (7.26 kg) while attached wire had measure between 1.175 m , 1.215 m.

the men s hammer throw became olympic event in 1900 women s event – using 4 kg (8.82 lb) weight – not competed until later, featuring on women s olympic programme in 2000. distances thrown male athletes became greater 1950s onwards result of improved equipment using denser metals, switch concrete throwing areas, , more advanced training techniques. professional hammer throwers historically large, strong, sturdy athletes. however, qualities such refined technique, speed , flexibility have become increasingly important in modern era legal throwing area has been reduced 90 34.92 degrees , throwing technique involves 3 4 controlled rotations.