Hammer Throw

track and field · athletic throwing · Olympic sport

What is it?. The hammer throw is an event where athletes throw a metal ball attached to a steel wire. The ball weighs 16 pounds for men and 8.8 pounds for women, and it's connected to a handle that athletes grip tightly.

Spinning is key. Athletes hold the hammer and spin around and around, faster and faster. This spinning motion builds up energy that launches the hammer far across the field when they finally release it.

Measuring the throw. The hammer must land within a marked sector, similar to other throwing events. The athlete whose hammer travels the farthest distance wins the competition.

Olympic sport. Hammer throw is one of four major throwing events in track and field, alongside the discus, shot put, and javelin. It has been part of the Summer Olympics for over a century.

Technical skill required. Throwers must master timing, balance, and speed to throw successfully. A great throw requires perfect coordination between the spinning motion and the release.