Javelin Throw

Of all the throw events in the field of athletics, the javelin throw has got to be the closest thing to the track events. In fact, even the physique of javelin throwers are closer to the sprinters compared to the athletes in the other throwing events. This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that, in order to gain momentum, a javelin thrower must run up a predetermined area, as opposed to gaining momentum by “winding up” inside a throwing circle. Where the athletes in other throwing events are top heavy, the javelin thrower is better proportioned all around. This is because, in order to achieve good momentum, the javelin thrower also needs to be able to achieve great speed by sprinting. In addition many athletic tracks have javelin run-ups at each end in order to take advantage of any potential wind benefit. A javelin can reach speeds close to 70 mph.

The javelin has been around since the the 1908 Summer Olympics and has seen its fair share of modifications due to progress and as a result of it. According to the rulebooks, the javelin is composed of three parts: the head, shaft, and grip. The traditional javelin had a metal head, wooden shaft, and a grip composed of leather. Thanks to science and a better understanding of aerodynamics, today's javelin has evolved. The modern javelin has a metal head, a shaft made of hollow steel or fiberglass, even carbon fiber, and a grip made of cord that is tightly wound around the middle of the shaft.

The downside of technology was felt in 1984, when East German thrower Uwe John shattered the 100m mark by setting a new world record of 104.80m. This prompted the IAAF (International Association of Athletic Federations) to have the javelin's center of gravity moved forward 10cm. This had two immediate results. 1)The javelin throw was in danger of being banished to outside the infield since the throws were getting longer and longer, making it unsafe for other athletes and harder to measure, should it go beyond the track's infield. And 2)the adjustment allowed the head top dive down earlier, eliminating flat landings and making the javelin easier to spot.