The Hammer Throw

The hammer throw is a strong and exciting sport. The hammer is not a real hammer. It is a heavy metal ball attached to a wire with a handle. Athletes spin around in a circle and then let the hammer fly. The one who throws it the farthest wins.

How It Is Done

The athlete stands inside a safety cage. They hold the hammer's handle with both hands. They swing it over their head and then spin their whole body three or four times. When they let go, the hammer flies high and far. They must stay inside the circle or the throw does not count.

The Weight

Men throw a hammer that weighs about 16 pounds. Women throw one that weighs about 8.8 pounds. The top throwers can send it over 280 feet. That is almost the length of a football field. The sport is part of the Summer Olympics.

Fun Facts

• The hammer throw started in Scotland and Ireland long ago.
• Early hammers really were hammers with wooden handles.
• The world record is over 284 feet for men.

Did You Know?

The safety cage around a hammer thrower is very important because if the hammer slips, it can fly in any direction at high speed.