The Event
The shot put event involves 'putting' a heave metal ball as far as possible. The ball is called shot and putting is throwing the ball in pushing motion.
Rules and Regulations
Rules and regulations for shot put for men in the Olympics are formulated by the International Association of Athletics Federations or the IAAF.
- The IAAF decides about the weight of the ball thrown in the shot put event.
- Athletes are allowed to wear bandage at the wrist to protect themselves from the injury during the throw.
- Every athlete is given six chances to throw the ball.
- If an athlete comes out of the circle before the ball projected by his lands, he is disqualified.
- The IAAF has determined the body movements of athletes during and after the shotput.
- Athletes are barred from throwing the ball outside the left or right border of the landing area.
- If the athlete does not leave the rear half of the circle at the time of shot put.
- If the shot putter touches the top of the toe board, outside the circle, or the top of the iron ring after having entered the circle.
- If the shot drops below his shoulder.
- If he takes longer than 90 seconds to perform the throw.
Athletes who have excelled at shot put for men in the Olympics are Wladyslaw Komar, Randy Matson, Dallas Long, Bill Nieder, Parry O'Brien, Wilbur Thompson, Hans Woellke, Brian Oldfield, Yuriy Bilonoh, Leo Sexton, John Kuck, Clarence Houser, Ville Porhola, Patrick McDonald, Ralph Rose, Martin Sheridan, Richard Sheldon, Kevin Toth, Christian Cantwell, Arsi Harju, Adam Nelson, John Brenner, Randy Barnes, Mike Stulce, Werner Gunthor, Ulf Timmermann, Alessandro Andrei, Vladimir Kiselyov, and Udo Beyer.