Women's Javelin Throw

Javelin throw for women entered the Olympics at the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Games. They have been part of all subsequent Olympics.

Rules and Regulations
All rules and regulations governing the javelin throw event in the Olympics are specified by the International Association of Athletics Federations or the IAAF.

• Only the throws in which the javelin point touches the ground first are recorded.
• If the javelin lands on its tail, the throw is not recorded.
• The IAAF specifies the length and the weight of the javelin used.
• Every athlete is offered several chances to throw the javelin.
• IAAF specifies the body movement of the javelin throwers during and after the throw.
• The throw is measured from the point where the javelin reaches the ground.
• If the javelin lands flat, the distance is marked from the back of the javelin.
• Until the javelin thrown reaches ground, no athlete is allowed to leave the run-up area. Athletes can leave the competition area only with the judge's permission.
• For deciding the winner of the competition, the best throw of the athletes are recorded.

Throwing a Javelin
The athletes prepares with a 'start and carry'. The athlete relaxes the muscles of the right shoulder, arm and wrist, thus allowing herself an easy running action. Then she starts running which is of 13 to 20 steps, reaches the final phase of the running actions and delivers the javeline.

For enhancing the velocity of the javelin, physical power is transferred to it. Faster the athlete runs, faster the javeline gets.

Top Performers
Women athletes who have performed well at the Olympics are Tiina Lillak, Trine Hattestad, Ruth Fuchs, Petra Felke, Heli Rantanen, Silke Renk, Angela Nemeth, Mihaela Penes, Elvira Ozolina, Inese Jaunzeme, Tilly Fleischer, Herma Bauma, Dana Zatopkova, Fatima Whitbread, Tessa Sanderson, Osleidys Menendez and Maria Colon.