Discus Throw

The discus throw is a very old sport. Athletes throw a round, flat disc called a discus. The discus is heavy and must be thrown a long way. This sport was part of the ancient Greek Olympic Games.

How to Throw

The athlete stands in a small circle and holds the discus in one hand. They spin around quickly to build up speed. Then they let go, and the discus flies through the air. The throw must land inside a marked area to count.

A bronze statue of an athlete twisting to throw the discus.
A bronze statue of an athlete twisting to throw the discus. (Rolf Broberg / Wikimedia Commons)

The Discus

A men's discus weighs about 2 kilograms, which is close to 4 pounds. A women's discus is a little lighter. The discus is shaped like a frisbee but much heavier. It is made of wood or plastic with a metal rim.

Fun Facts

  • The discus throw is over 2,700 years old.
  • Good throwers can throw the discus over 70 meters.
  • A famous old statue called the Discobolus shows a discus thrower.

Did You Know?

The ancient Greeks had a saying that the discus was the first thing they put in the Olympics.