All the Track and Field Events

The javelin is a metal spear, steel tipped, with a minimum length of 260cm (8ft 6.25in) for men and 220cm (7ft 2.5in) for women; and a minimum weight of 800g (1.75 lb) for men and about 600g (1.5lb) for women. The javelin has a grip made of whipcord about 15cm (about 6in) long, which is located at the center of gravity. Two parallel lines, 4m (13ft 1.5in) apart, mark the javelin runway. The throwing line is a 7cm (2.75in) wide strip, which is sunk flush to the ground and touches the front ends of the runway lines. The center of this strip is equidistant from and located between the runway lines. From this center point two straight lines extend through the ends of the scratch line for a distance of 90m (29.5ft). All throws must land between these lines. Throws are measured on a direct line from point of impact to the center point, but only the distance to the inner edge of the arc is recorded. Throwers must stay within the runway and not touch or cross the throwing line. The javelin tip must land tip first. In American Track & Field meets, contestants get three throws, and the seven best throwers are given three more. Competitors are placed according to their best throw. As a preclude to the throw, the contestants grasp the javelin near its center of gravity and sprint towards a check line. As they get near the line they twist to one side, draw back the javelin, and prepare to throw. Meanwhile, in order to maintain running speed while leaning back for the throw, they execute a hop or fast cross step. At the check line they pivot forward abruptly and hurl the javelin into the air. The throw doesn't count if they step across the line or if the javelin does not fall to the earth tip first.