Hammer Throw

track and field · Olympic sport · throwing

A spinning weapon. The hammer throw started as a Scottish sport where people threw actual hammers at festivals. Today's athletes use a metal ball (called a head) attached to a steel wire with a grip on the end, which they whirl around their body at super high speeds before letting it go.

Incredibly heavy. Men throw a hammer that weighs 16 pounds (about 7 kilograms), while women throw one that's 9 pounds (4 kilograms). That's heavier than a bowling ball, and athletes have to spin it faster and faster to make it fly far.

Multiple rotations. Athletes spin around in a circle inside a special throwing area about three to four times before releasing the hammer. This builds up momentum and speed so the hammer can travel over 80 meters (260 feet) through the air.

Needs its own space. Hammer throwers compete inside a metal cage or net because the hammer travels so fast and far that it's dangerous. The cage catches the hammer if it goes wild and keeps spectators safe.

Olympic tradition. The hammer throw has been an Olympic event for over 125 years and remains one of the most exciting track and field competitions at the Summer Games.