Javelin facts for kids
A javelin is like a light spear that people throw. Long ago, it was used as a weapon. But for thousands of years, from the Ancient Greeks to today, it has also been a sport. Athletes almost always throw the javelin by hand.
The javelin throw is a popular sports event. It is one of the field events that comes from the first Olympic Games. An athlete holds the javelin in one hand. They run to build up speed, then throw it as far as they can. It is an official Olympic sport.
Unlike other throwing sports, javelin throwers can run a long way before they throw. This helps them gain a lot of speed. A javelin can fly at speeds close to 113 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour). It can travel over 100 meters (328 feet)! The current world record for men is 104.80 meters.
Contents
What is a Javelin?
A javelin is a long, thin pole. It is usually made of metal or fiberglass. It has a sharp point at one end. The javelin also has a grip in the middle, which is where the athlete holds it.
How Javelin Throwing Works
Javelin throwing is a track and field event. Athletes aim to throw the javelin the farthest distance. They must follow specific rules for their throw to count.
The Run-Up
Athletes start with a run-up. This means they run towards a throwing line. The run-up helps them build momentum and speed. This speed is very important for a powerful throw.
The Throw
As they reach the throwing line, athletes quickly turn their body. They use their whole body to push the javelin forward. The javelin must be held by the grip. It must also land point-first for the throw to be valid.
Scoring and Records
The distance of the throw is measured from the throwing line to where the javelin lands. The athlete with the longest valid throw wins. There are world records for both men and women in javelin throwing.
History of the Javelin
The javelin has a long and interesting history. It was used in ancient times for hunting and fighting.
Ancient Origins
The javelin throw was part of the Ancient Olympic Games. It was one of the five events in the Pentathlon. This shows how important throwing skills were in ancient cultures.
Modern Sport
The modern javelin throw became an Olympic sport for men in 1908. Women's javelin throw was added to the Olympics in 1932. Today, it is a popular event in many athletic competitions around the world.
Related Sports
The javelin throw is one of several throwing events in track and field. Other similar sports include:
Images for kids
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Man with a shield throwing a javelin
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Javelin thrower. Bronze, Laconian style, third quarter of the 6th century BC
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Agrianian peltast. This peltast holds three javelins, one in his throwing hand and two in his pelte hand as additional ammunition
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A depiction of a javelin thrower on an ancient Greek vase, ca. 450 BC. Attributed to the painter of the Brussels Oinochoes.
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Reconstruction of a post-Marian pilum
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Norman cavalry armed with lances attacks the Anglo-Saxon shield wall. Notice the dominance of the spearmen in the front line of the formation. In the back of the formation there is one warrior armed with a battle-axe, one archer, and one javelineer. There are javelins in mid-flight and slain soldiers pierced with javelins on the ground
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The only known drawing of Shaka. Notice the long throwing assegai
See also
In Spanish: Jabalina para niños
