Javelin, << JAV lihn or JAV uh lihn, >> is a light, slender spear that is thrown for distance in track and field meets. In ancient times, warriors used the javelin as a weapon of war. Ancient hunters also used it.
The javelin used in track and field meets is made of metal with a metal tip. The length of a men’s javelin may be from 2.6 to 2.7 meters (8 feet 61/2 inches to 8 feet 10 inches). Women use a javelin that is 2.2 to 2.3 meters (7 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 61/2 inches) long. The men’s javelin must weigh at least 800 grams (28.4 ounces), and the women’s javelin must weigh at least 600 grams (21.3 ounces).
A javelin thrower grasps the shaft on a cord grip, and runs with it down a runway to gather momentum. The thrower runs about 33.5 meters (110 feet) and then hurls the javelin overhand from behind a restraining line. It must fall within a marked sector with its point striking the ground first.
Generally, each athlete gets six throws if eight or fewer contestants enter the competition. If more than eight athletes compete, each one gets three throws. The eight with the longest throws qualify for the finals, where each of the eight gets three more throws.
