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The third sport of the Pentathlon was the javelin throw. This game was directly connected with the Greeks’ everyday lives, coming from war and hunting. The javelin was a straight, wooden pole about six feet long, about as thick as an average man’s finger. It is uncertain whether the javelin had simply a pointed end or a metal head. A javelin with a pointed end was probably used for target practice so the point could be stuck into the target. The main difference between the ancient javelin and the modern javelin is that the Ancient Greeks attached a leather strap at the center of the javelin. It assisted in two ways:
There were two forms of javelin:
The Pentathlon required throwing for distance. The javelin was thrown from a fixed point, probably the starting line of the stadium. First, the athlete tied the strap as tight as he could, then he tested it several times, putting his index and middle finger into the loop of the strap. Before beginning his run-up, he pushed the javelin back with his left hand to tighten the strap and to grip the fingers of his right hand. Then, while holding the javelin close to his head, the athlete turned his body in the direction of the throw and started the run-up. A few steps before the starting line, he pulled his right arm back and turned his body and head to the right. The javelin was hurled over his head from this final position. This is the same throwing style used by javelin throwers today. When throwing at a target, the athletes were most likely riding on horses. This event required a steady eye, a strong hand, and the flexibility of an experienced horseman. |
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