Discus Throw
Men athletes have to throw a heavy lenticular disc with a weight of two kilograms and a diameter of 220 mm. The discus usually has its outer layer made of rubber, plastic or wood, with a metal rim and a metal core to attain the weight.
The Action
Discus thrower takes an initial stance facing away from the direction of the throw. For building momentum, he spins around one and a half time through the circle and releases the throw. The athlete must not leave the throwing circle until the disc has landed. After the disc lands, the athlete comes out via the rear portion of the circle.
Rules and Regulations
- Every athlete gets eight opportunities to throw the disc. The top three throws determine the three medalists.
- If two athletes have tied, the second best throw of the athletes is evaluated.
- Weight of the disc used in the event is specified by the IAAF.
- Measurement of the distance covered by the disc is done from the border of the circle to the landing point of the disc.
- Until a disc lands, the athlete is not allowed to leave the discus throwing circle. If he does so, he is disqualified.
Athletes from the United States of America have been the dominating force in discus throwing events of the Olympics.
Top Performers
Top men athletes for discus throw in the Olympics are Yuriy Dumchev, Gerd Kanter, Virgilijus Alekna, Jurgen Schult, Quiik Musta, Imrich Bugar, Ricky Bruch, John Powell, Ben Plucknett, Lars Riedel, Robert Fazekas, Virgilijus Alekna, Romas Ubartas, Rolf Danneberg, John Anderson, Clarence Houser, Elmer Niklander, Armas Taipale, Martin Sheridan, Rudolf Bauer, Viktor Rashchupkin, Mac Wilkins, Ludvik Danek, Al Oerter, Sim Iness, Adolfo Consolini and Ken Carpenter. US athletes have been dominating since the inception of the game.