Javelin facts for kids

Javelin throw in a stadium

A javelin is a light spear designed to be thrown. Historically it was a weapon, but from the Ancient Greeks to today it was used for sport. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand.

The javelin throw is a sports event, one of the field events which survive from the original Olympic Games. The athlete holds the javelin in one arm and, while running, throws it as far as possible. It is an official Olympic sport.

Unlike other throwing events, javelin allows the competitor to build speed over a considerable distance. As a result, a javelin can reach speeds approaching 113 km/h and to cover the distance of 104.80 m.

Related pages

• Discus throw
• Hammer throw
• Shot put
• Track and field athletics

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