Javelin

File:Javelin throw in stadium.jpg

Javelin throw in a stadium

A javelin is a light spear designed to be thrown. Historically it was a weapon, but from the Ancient Greeks to today it is used for sport. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand.

The javelin throw is a sports event, one of the field events which survive from the original Olympic Games. The athlete holds the javelin in one hand and, while running, throws it as far as possible. It is an official Olympic sport.

Unlike other throwing events, javelin allows the competitor to build speed over a considerable distance.

Javelin Media

• Javeleer.png

  Man with a shield throwing a javelin

• Javelin thrower Louvre Br107.jpg

  Javelin thrower. Bronze, Laconian style, third quarter of the 6th century BC

• Agrianian3.jpg

  Agrianian peltast. This peltast holds three javelins, one in his throwing hand and two in his pelte hand as additional ammunition

• Javelin thrower Louvre G243.jpg

  A depiction of a javelin thrower on an ancient Greek vase, ca. 450 BC. Attributed to the painter of the Brussels Oinochoes.

• Pilum lg.jpg

  Reconstruction of a post-Marian pilum

• KingShaka.jpg

  The only known drawing of Shaka. Notice the long throwing assegai

• Flag of Swaziland.svg

  Flag of Eswatini

Related pages

• Discus throw
• Hammer throw
• Shot put
• Track and field athletics