All the Track and Field Events

Hammer throwers compete by hurling a heavy ball attached to a length of wire that has a metal handle. The ball, wire, and handle together weigh 7.26 kg (16 lb) and form a unit no longer than 1.2 m (4 ft). The athlete is confined to a circle 2.1 m (7 ft) in diameter. Gripping the handle with both hands and keeping the feet stationary, the athlete whirls the ball around in a circle passing above and behind the head and just below the kneecaps. As the hammer gains momentum, the athlete suddenly whirls the body around three times to impart even greater velocity to the ball. The hammer is then released upward and outward at a 45-degree angle. If it falls outside a prescribed 90-degree arc, the throw is invalid. Under USA Track & Field rules, each thrower gets three tries, after which the seven best performers are allowed three more tries. A foul (violation) is called when any part of the competitor's body, or the hammer itself, touches the ground in or outside the circle before the hammer has been fairly released and has struck the ground. Hammer throwers are usually tall and muscular, but success in the event also requires timing and coordination. In indoor meets a 15.9-kg (35-lb) weight is used in the same manner.