Javelin throw
The javelin throw is a track and field throwing event in which competitors propel a spear-like implement, known as a javelin, as far as possible using an overhand technique from a runway into a marked sector.[1] The event is one of the four traditional throwing disciplines in athletics, alongside the discus throw, shot put, and hammer throw, and it emphasizes explosive power, precise technique, and rotational momentum to achieve distances typically exceeding 80 meters for elite male athletes and 60 meters for elite females.[2] Originating in ancient Greece as part of the pentathlon at the Olympic Games in 708 BC, where participants hurled wooden javelins, the modern version was introduced to the Olympic program in 1908 for men in London and in 1932 for women in Los Angeles, evolving from Scandinavian revival efforts in the late 18th century.[3] The javelin implement itself has undergone significant redesigns for safety and fairness: the men's version measures 2.6 to 2.7 meters in length and weighs at least 800 grams, while the women's is 2.2 to 2.3 meters long and at least 600 grams, with a metal head, wooden or metal shaft, and a cord grip; rule changes in 1986 for men and 1999 for women shifted the center of gravity forward to reduce flat landings and excessive distances that posed risks to spectators.[1][2] Competitions follow a standardized format governed by World Athletics, featuring a runway at least 30 meters long ending in an 8-meter-radius throwing arc, from which athletes must not step beyond until the javelin lands tip-first within a 29-degree funnel-shaped sector; each competitor receives three throws in a qualification round, with the top 12 (those reaching the automatic qualifying standard or the best 12 performances) advancing to the final, where all finalists receive three throws, followed by three more for the top eight after the first three rounds, and the longest valid distance determines the winner, measured electronically from the arc's inner edge to the javelin's first impact point.[2] Fouls occur for stepping outside the runway, improper release, or the javelin landing other than tip-first, and elite throws can exceed release speeds of 96 km/h (60 mph).[1] The men's world record stands at 98.48 meters, set by Czech thrower Jan Železný in 1996, while the women's record is 72.28 meters by Barbora Špotáková of the Czech Republic in 2008, both achieved under current specifications (as of 2025);[1] notable modern athletes include India's Neeraj Chopra, who won Olympic gold in 2020 (87.58 m) and silver in 2024 (89.45 m), becoming the first Indian to claim an Olympic athletics gold, and the 2023 world champion.[4] The event demands a complex technique involving a run-up, crossover steps, and full-body rotation, often coached to optimize energy transfer while adhering to safety protocols that prohibit gloves or non-overhand styles.[2]History
Ancient origins
The javelin throw originated in prehistoric hunting and warfare, where early humans crafted lightweight wooden spears for throwing at prey and enemies from a distance. Archaeological evidence from the Schöningen site in Germany includes eight well-preserved spears dating to approximately 200,000 years ago, attributed to Neanderthals and designed for aerodynamic flight during hunts of large game like horses. These artifacts demonstrate the javelin's evolution as a versatile tool, with balanced proportions optimized for propulsion without aids, marking an early advancement in human projectile weaponry.[5] In ancient Greece, javelin throwing transitioned from a survival skill to a formalized athletic event around 708 BC, integrated into the pentathlon of the Olympic Games held at Olympia. Competitors used a leather thong known as the ankyle, wrapped around the javelin's shaft to generate spin and extend range, which modern recreations confirm increases throw distance by about 58% compared to hand-held releases. Typical distances achieved in these events, based on experimental throws with replicas, ranged from 40 to 66 meters using a run-up, though ancient literary estimates sometimes exaggerated feats to 90 meters or more. The sport emphasized precision and power, often depicted in vase paintings as a test of heroic prowess.[3][6][7] References to the javelin appear prominently in Roman culture, where it served primarily as a military weapon called the pilum, a heavy throwing spear deployed by legionaries to disrupt enemy formations before close combat, with effective ranges up to 30 meters. In Greek mythology, figures like Achilles exemplified javelin mastery; Homer's Iliad describes him organizing javelin contests during the funeral games for Patroclus, highlighting the weapon's symbolic role in heroic narratives and martial training.[8][9] Across other ancient civilizations, javelin-like spears evolved from combat tools to elements of ritualized or competitive practices. In Mesoamerican societies, such as the Aztecs, warriors employed throwing spears or darts launched via atlatls for warfare and hunting.[10] Similarly, in various African societies, including those of the Zulu and other Bantu groups, assegai javelins were central to hunting and intertribal conflicts, occasionally featured in ritual combats or initiatory contests that developed into structured displays of skill.Modern development
The modern javelin throw traces its revival to late 18th-century Scandinavia, where Finnish and Swedish athletes practiced distinct styles—overhand distance throwing among Finns and underhand target throwing among Swedes—with distance throwing eventually prevailing as the dominant form.[3] By the early 1870s, the event gained renewed popularity in Germany and Sweden as part of gymnastics programs and emerging track and field competitions, initially featuring standing throws or target-based styles without a run-up to emphasize accuracy over distance.[11] In the late 1890s, the introduction of limited run-ups transformed the event, enabling greater speeds and distances exceeding 50 meters, as demonstrated by Swedish athlete Eric Lemming, who set multiple early world records starting in 1899 and dominated the sport into the early 20th century.[3] Sweden formalized its place in the sport's development by hosting the first national javelin championship in 1896, with Scandinavian throwers—particularly from Sweden and Finland—holding most world records until 1953.[12] The men's javelin throw debuted as an Olympic event at the 1908 London Games, where Lemming claimed gold with a throw of 54.83 meters, marking the sport's integration into international competition.[3] The women's javelin event joined the Olympic program in 1932 at the Los Angeles Games, with American athlete Mildred "Babe" Didrikson securing gold and setting an Olympic record of 43.69 meters on her first attempt, a mark that stood for the competition.[12] Through the mid-20th century, advancements in technique and equipment, including lighter materials, progressively increased throwing distances, with Scandinavian dominance continuing until broader global participation emerged post-World War II.[13] Pre-1986 developments peaked with East German thrower Uwe Hohn's world-record throw of 104.80 meters in 1984—the only official mark over 100 meters—which highlighted safety risks from the javelin's tendency for flat, unpredictable flights that could veer toward spectators or officials, ultimately leading to implement redesigns for better control and tip-first landings.[13]Equipment and specifications
Javelin design
The javelin is a sleek, aerodynamic spear-like implement consisting of a shaft, a pointed metal tip, and a cord grip encircling the center of gravity. The shaft is typically constructed from high-strength aluminum alloys or carbon fiber composites to provide a balance of lightness, rigidity, and flexibility, while the tip is made of hardened steel for durability upon impact.[14][15] For men's competitions, the javelin must measure between 2.6 and 2.7 meters in overall length with a minimum weight of 800 grams, including the grip and tip; women's implements are specified at 2.2 to 2.3 meters in length and a minimum of 600 grams. The cord grip, which covers the center of gravity area, has a maximum width of 16 centimeters for men and 15 centimeters for women, ensuring a secure hold without excessive bulk. Variations in weight, such as the 700-gram model for youth categories, follow similar construction principles but with scaled dimensions.[2][16] In 1986, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF, now World Athletics) redesigned the men's javelin to address frequent flat landings that caused measurement inconsistencies and spectator injuries, shifting the center of gravity forward by 4 centimeters from its previous position to promote tip-first trajectories and greater rotational stability during flight. This change, effective April 1, 1986, reduced average throwing distances by about 8% and necessitated a reset of world records.[1][13] The women's javelin underwent a parallel redesign in 1999, with the center of gravity similarly advanced to mirror the men's adjustments proportionally, enhancing flight stability and ensuring consistent point-down landings while mitigating injury risks from erratic descents. Implemented after extensive testing, this update also reset records and aligned women's implements more closely with the safer dynamics established for men.[13][3] In a continuation of these safety-focused evolutions, World Athletics introduced new specifications for the 700-gram youth javelin effective April 1, 2025, adjusting the center of gravity and pressure points akin to the 1986 and 1999 changes to promote reliable tip-down flights, standardize performance across age groups, and further reduce hazards in junior competitions. Old 700-gram models remained permissible until October 31, 2025; as of November 1, 2025, only the new specification is permitted.[17][18]Weight variations by age
In javelin throw competitions governed by World Athletics, implement weights are standardized by age group and gender to promote safe progression in athletic development, reducing injury risk among younger athletes while gradually increasing demands to match senior standards. These variations ensure that equipment aligns with physical maturity levels, with lighter javelins for youth categories facilitating technique acquisition without excessive strain. World Athletics specifies weights for U18 and older; for U14 and U16, weights are set by national federations and typically lighter (e.g., U14 men 400-500 g, women 400 g; U16 men 600 g, women 500 g).[19] The following table summarizes the minimum weights for javelins used in World Athletics-sanctioned events for U18 and older, based on the latest technical rules effective November 2025:| Age Group | Men (g) | Women (g) |
|---|---|---|
| U18 | 700 | 500 |
| U20/Senior | 800 | 600 |
Rules and competitions
Throwing regulations
The throwing area in javelin competitions consists of a runway that is a minimum of 30 meters long, with a recommended length of up to 36.5 meters for international events, and a minimum width of 4 meters marked by 50 mm white lines.[16] The runway ends at a throwing arc, which is a curved metal or wooden plate painted white, 70 mm to 75 mm wide and 10 mm thick, positioned such that the sector lines extend from its ends at an angle of 28.96 degrees, forming an 8-meter arc radius for the sector boundaries.[16] The thrower must initiate the run-up from any point within the runway and remain behind the plane of the arc until the javelin has landed, without turning their back fully toward the arc during the approach or delivery.[16] A throw is valid only if the javelin is held at the grip with one hand and released over the shoulder or upper throwing arm in an overhand motion, without slinging or hurling.[16] The metal tip of the javelin must strike the ground first within the sector lines, with the implement embedding at an angle rather than landing flat or tail-first, and the entire throw must occur without the athlete crossing the arc plane or extended runway lines.[16] The sector surface, typically cinders or grass, must allow for a clear imprint of the landing and prevent the javelin from bouncing backward.[16] Fouls result in no measurement and are called for violations such as the athlete's foot touching or crossing the runway lines or arc plane during the throw, the javelin landing outside the sector or without the tip first, improper release technique, or leaving the runway before the javelin lands while not behind the arc or a designated 4-meter back line.[16] If the javelin breaks during a valid throw, the athlete is granted a replacement trial.[16] Distance is measured from the nearest mark made by the javelin's tip in the ground to the inner edge of the throwing arc, along a straight line passing through the center of the arc, using a certified steel tape or electronic device, and recorded to the nearest centimeter below or 0.01 meter for precision.[16] Officials, including a chief judge, marker judges, and measurement team, verify the throw's validity and ensure safety.[16] All throws must comply with World Athletics eligibility rules, which require athletes to meet age, gender, and nationality criteria, and adhere to anti-doping regulations prohibiting prohibited substances and methods, with violations leading to disqualification or bans.[22][23] Performances achieved with pre-redesign implements—prior to 1986 for men and 1999 for women, when the center of gravity was shifted forward to reduce excessive distances—are recognized in historical lists but not eligible for current world records due to design differences.[13]Competition formats
In international athletics competitions governed by World Athletics, the javelin throw typically follows a two-phase structure consisting of a qualification round and a final. Athletes are divided into two groups for the qualification round, where each competitor receives three throws; those achieving the automatic qualifying distance or ranking among the top 12 overall performances advance to the final.[1] In the final, the 12 qualifiers each perform three throws, after which the eight athletes with the best distances receive three additional attempts, for a maximum of six throws per athlete. The winner is determined by the longest valid throw, with ties resolved by the next-best distance; all throws must land within the marked 28.96-degree sector.[1][24] At elite events like the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships, the qualification process specifies automatic advancement standards of 84 meters for men and 64 meters for women, with the top 12 overall also progressing if fewer meet the standard. Qualification rounds are usually held on one day, with finals on a subsequent day to accommodate recovery and scheduling.[2][1] In combined events such as the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon, the javelin throw is integrated as a single-discipline component, where each athlete performs three throws scored via standardized performance tables to contribute points toward the total multi-event tally.[25] Youth competitions often adapt the format for developmental purposes, featuring fewer rounds—typically three throws in a single flight without qualification—and occasional variations like relay-style team throws or mixed-gender events in invitational meets to promote inclusivity and fun.Technique and training
Phases of the throw
The javelin throw technique is divided into distinct phases that sequentially build and transfer momentum from the run-up to the release, optimizing distance through coordinated body movements. For right-handed throwers, these phases emphasize rhythmic acceleration, weight shift, and explosive delivery while maintaining balance to avoid fouls.[1] The run-up phase initiates the throw, typically consisting of 13 to 15 steps to build speed gradually while carrying the javelin overhead. Throwers begin with a controlled acceleration over 8 initial running strides, transitioning into a rhythmic pattern of crossover steps in the final 5 to 7 strides, reaching velocities of approximately 6-7 m/s. This phase focuses on maintaining a straight-line approach down the runway, with the crossover steps—where the right leg crosses over the left—ensuring momentum conservation without lateral deviation.[26][27] In the transition or crossover phase, the thrower shifts weight from the right leg to the left (non-throwing) leg, planting the left foot firmly beyond the throwing arc to convert horizontal speed into rotational and upward forces. This involves a penultimate impulse stride, often 1.6 to 2.0 meters long, during which the body rotates at the hips while the throwing arm begins withdrawal, positioning the javelin parallel to the ground for balance. Proper execution here braces the lower body against forward momentum, preventing early opening of the shoulders.[1][27][26] The delivery or withdrawal phase culminates the throw, starting with the arm cocked at about 90 degrees to the body as the hips rotate forward explosively. The throwing shoulder drives over the front leg, extending the arm in a smooth, whipping motion to release the javelin at an optimal angle of 32-36 degrees above horizontal, with the follow-through directing the body backward to stay within the sector lines and avoid a foul. Biomechanical forces during this phase amplify velocity through sequential muscle activation from legs to arm.[1][28] Grip types influence control and spin during release, with two primary variations used by athletes. The American grip positions the fingers under the cord with the thumb on top for stability, suitable for beginners, while the Finnish grip places the thumb and first two fingers over the cord for enhanced wrist snap and rotation, preferred by advanced throwers for greater distance potential.[29][30] Common errors in execution can significantly reduce distance or cause fouls, such as an early arm pull that disrupts timing and lowers release height, or improper weight shift in the crossover leading to loss of balance. Correcting these requires focused checkpoint drills to ensure sequential phasing.[30][31]Training methods
Training for the javelin throw emphasizes developing explosive power, speed, and technical proficiency through targeted exercises that mimic the demands of the event. Strength training forms a cornerstone, incorporating plyometric exercises such as box jumps and bounding to enhance lower-body explosiveness and rate of force development, which are critical for the rapid leg extension and hip rotation involved in the throw.[32] Weightlifting routines, including power cleans, squats, and snatches, target explosive power in the legs and core, with sets performed at 75-90% of maximum to build event-specific strength while minimizing injury risk.[33] Core work, such as medicine ball throws and glute-ham raises, strengthens the trunk and hips to support the over 50% of throwing force generated from these areas.[32] Speed drills focus on improving run-up velocity, essential for maximizing release speed. Sprint intervals, such as 8 x 30m or 50m repeats from a three-point start, develop acceleration and maintain rhythm during the approach.[34] Hurdle hops and hill runs enhance lower-body power and coordination, allowing throwers to practice quick footwork without the implement.[35] Technique practice involves simulations to refine form without full-effort throws. Lighter or weighted javelins, along with medicine balls or shot puts, are used for impulse throws, three-step, or full-approach drills to emphasize rhythm, body position, and release mechanics.[33] Video analysis provides objective feedback on checkpoints like crossover steps and arm path, enabling corrections to optimize the throwing sequence.[33] Periodization structures training into phases to build and peak performance while preventing injuries. In the off-season preparation phase, emphasis is on foundational strength, endurance, and technique via plyometrics, weight training, and core stability exercises, with rest days for recovery.[36] The pre-competition phase shifts to speed and power integration, incorporating complex training like sprints followed by throws to simulate event demands.[36] Injury prevention is integrated throughout, with shoulder mobility routines, rotator cuff strengthening, and flexibility work such as dynamic stretching and vibration training to maintain joint health and reduce overuse risks.[37]Physics and biomechanics
Aerodynamics of flight
Upon release, the javelin achieves velocities up to 30 m/s (approximately 108 km/h), with elite throwers optimizing the trajectory through a release angle of 32-35 degrees to maximize range.[38][39] This angle balances the projectile's initial upward trajectory against gravitational pull and aerodynamic forces, ensuring the implement follows a parabolic path that covers distances of 85-95 meters for top performers under current specifications.[1] The javelin's flight stability relies on aerodynamic principles, including lift and drag forces influenced by its design. A forward center of gravity, positioned ahead of the center of pressure, generates a nose-down torque that orients the tip downward shortly after release, preventing erratic tumbling and promoting a stable, gliding motion.[38][40] Additionally, spin imparted during release—often up to 25 revolutions per second—produces a Magnus effect, creating lateral forces that can slightly deflect the path but primarily contribute to minor adjustments in lift and drag.[38] Drag opposes forward motion and increases with velocity and angle of attack, while lift supports extended flight, though both are minimized at near-zero attack angles for efficiency.[40] The 1986 redesign, which shifted the center of gravity forward by about 4 cm, significantly altered flight dynamics by reducing the incidence of flat landings and excessive "float" phases that previously allowed throws exceeding 100 meters.[13] This change stabilized elite distances, curbing pre-1986 extremes like 104.80 meters while establishing more predictable trajectories that land tip-first, with top marks now plateauing around 98 meters.[13][38] Environmental factors, particularly wind, further influence aerodynamics, with tailwinds up to the legal limit of +2.0 m/s providing measurable assistance by reducing relative air resistance and enhancing range.[24] Headwinds, conversely, increase drag and effective angle of attack, potentially shortening distances unless compensated by technique adjustments.[39][40]Body mechanics
The body mechanics of the javelin throw rely on a proximal-to-distal kinetic chain, where ground reaction forces initiated by the legs are transferred sequentially through the hips, torso, and arm to generate maximal velocity at the point of release. This sequential activation allows for the summation of segmental speeds, optimizing the acceleration of the throwing arm. Peak shoulder internal rotation velocity during the acceleration phase can reach up to 8,000 degrees per second, contributing significantly to the explosive propulsion of the implement.[41][42] Primary muscle groups drive this process, with the quadriceps and gluteals providing powerful extension and propulsion from the lower body to initiate force generation against the ground. In the upper body, the deltoids contribute to shoulder elevation and stability, while the rotator cuff muscles—particularly the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—enable rapid internal rotation and control of the humerus during arm acceleration. Energy transfer along this chain is highly efficient in elite throwers, with higher peak rates of energy flow from the thorax to the humerus directly correlating with increased release speeds and overall performance.[43][44] The intense demands of this motion elevate injury risks, particularly overuse-related rotator cuff strains, as the shoulder endures extreme torsional forces and repetitive high-velocity rotations that can lead to tendinopathy or tears. To mitigate these risks and enhance performance, biomechanical models employing inverse dynamics analyze joint torques and segment interactions, allowing for personalized optimizations that reduce shoulder loading while preserving kinetic chain integrity.[45][46] Gender differences in body mechanics influence power generation, with women typically producing lower overall output—often 15-20% less in release velocity due to variations in muscle mass, joint leverage, and pelvic width—that necessitate technique adaptations such as increased emphasis on trunk rotation to compensate for reduced lower-body drive.[47][48]Records
All-time performances (current implements)
The all-time men's javelin throw record using the current implement, introduced in 1986, stands at 98.48 m, achieved by Jan Železný of the Czech Republic on 25 May 1996 in Jena, Germany.[49] This mark has remained unbroken for nearly three decades, highlighting the technical demands and aerodynamic stability of the redesigned javelin, which features a center of gravity shifted forward to reduce excessive flight curvature. The following table lists the top 25 verified performances with the current implement, all ratified by World Athletics.| Rank | Mark (m) | Athlete | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98.48 | Jan Železný (CZE) | 25 May 1996 | Jena (GER) |
| 2 | 97.76 | Johannes Vetter (GER) | 6 Sep 2020 | Chorzów (POL) |
| 3 | 93.90 | Thomas Röhler (GER) | 5 May 2017 | Doha (QAT) |
| 4 | 93.09 | Aki Parviainen (FIN) | 26 Jun 1999 | Kuortane (FIN) |
| 5 | 93.07 | Anderson Peters (GRN) | 13 May 2022 | Doha (QAT) |
| 6 | 92.97 | Arshad Nadeem (PAK) | 8 Aug 2024 | Paris (FRA) |
| 7 | 92.72 | Julius Yego (KEN) | 26 Aug 2015 | Beijing (CHN) |
| 8 | 92.61 | Sergey Makarov (RUS) | 30 Jun 2002 | Sheffield (GBR) |
| 9 | 92.60 | Raymond Hecht (GER) | 21 Jul 1995 | Oslo (NOR) |
| 10 | 92.06 | Andreas Hofmann (GER) | 2 Jun 2018 | Offenburg (GER) |
| 11 | 91.69 | Konstantinos Gatsioudis (GRE) | 24 Jun 2000 | Kuortane (FIN) |
| 12 | 91.59 | Andreas Thorkildsen (NOR) | 2 Jun 2006 | Oslo (NOR) |
| 13 | 91.53 | Tero Pitkämäki (FIN) | 26 Jun 2005 | Kuortane (FIN) |
| 14 | 91.51 | Julian Weber (GER) | 28 Aug 2025 | Zürich (SUI) |
| 15 | 91.46 | Steve Backley (GBR) | 25 Jan 1992 | Auckland (NZL) |
| 16 | 91.36 | Chao-Tsun Cheng (TPE) | 26 Aug 2017 | Taipei City (TPE) |
| 17 | 91.29 | Breaux Greer (USA) | 21 Jun 2007 | Indianapolis (USA) |
| 18 | 91.00 | Luiz Mauricio da Silva (BRA) | 3 Aug 2025 | São Paulo (BRA) |
| 19 | 90.88 | Jakub Vadlejch (CZE) | 13 May 2022 | Doha (QAT) |
| 20 | 90.82 | Kimmo Kinnunen (FIN) | 26 Aug 1991 | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 21 | 90.73 | Vadims Vasiļevskis (LAT) | 22 Jul 2007 | Tallinn (EST) |
| 22 | 90.61 | Magnus Kirt (EST) | 22 Jun 2019 | Kuortane (FIN) |
| 23 | 90.60 | Seppo Räty (FIN) | 20 Jul 1992 | Nurmijärvi (FIN) |
| 24 | 90.44 | Boris Henry (GER) | 9 Jul 1997 | Linz (AUT) |
| 25 | 90.23 | Neeraj Chopra (IND) | 16 May 2025 | Doha (QAT) |
| Rank | Mark (m) | Athlete | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72.28 | Barbora Špotáková (CZE) | 13 Sep 2008 | Stuttgart (GER) |
| 2 | 71.70 | Osleidys Menéndez (CUB) | 14 Aug 2005 | Helsinki (FIN) |
| 3 | 71.40 | Maria Andrejczyk (POL) | 9 May 2021 | Split (CRO) |
| 4 | 70.53 | Mariya Abakumova (RUS) | 1 Sep 2013 | Berlin (GER) |
| 5 | 70.20 | Christina Obergföll (GER) | 23 Jun 2007 | München (GER) |
| 6 | 69.48 | Trine Hattestad (NOR) | 28 Jul 2000 | Oslo (NOR) |
| 7 | 69.35 | Sunette Viljoen (RSA) | 9 Jun 2012 | New York, NY (USA) |
| 8 | 69.19 | Christin Hussong (GER) | 30 May 2021 | Chorzów (POL) |
| 9 | 68.92 | Kathryn Mitchell (AUS) | 11 Apr 2018 | Gold Coast (AUS) |
| 10 | 68.43 | Sara Kolak (CRO) | 6 Jul 2017 | Lausanne (SUI) |
| 11 | 68.34 | Steffi Nerius (GER) | 31 Aug 2008 | Elstal (GER) |
| 12 | 68.11 | Kara Winger (USA) | 2 Sep 2022 | Bruxelles (BEL) |
| 13 | 67.98 | Huihui Lyu (CHN) | 2 Aug 2019 | Shenyang (CHN) |
| 14 | 67.76 | Victoria Hudson (AUT) | 28 Jun 2025 | Maribor (SLO) |
| 15 | 67.70 | Kelsey-Lee Barber (AUS) | 9 Jul 2019 | Luzern (SUI) |
| 16 | 67.69 | Katharina Molitor (GER) | 30 Aug 2015 | Beijing (CHN) |
| 17 | 67.67 | Sonia Bisset (CUB) | 6 Jul 2005 | Salamanca (ESP) |
| 18 | 67.51 | Mirela Manjani-Tzelili (GRE) | 30 Sep 2000 | Sydney (AUS) |
| 19 | 67.47 | Tatsiana Khaladovich (BLR) | 7 Jun 2018 | Oslo (NOR) |
| 20 | 67.40 | Nikola Ogrodníková (CZE) | 26 May 2019 | Offenburg (GER) |
| 20 | 67.40 | Maggie Malone (USA) | 17 Jul 2021 | East Stroudsburg, PA (USA) |
| 22 | 67.38 | Haruka Kitaguchi (JPN) | 8 Sep 2023 | Bruxelles (BEL) |
| 23 | 67.32 | Linda Stahl (GER) | 14 Jun 2014 | New York, NY (USA) |
| 24 | 67.30 | Vera Rebrik (RUS) | 19 Feb 2016 | Sochi (RUS) |
| 25 | 67.29 | Hanna Hatsko-Fedusova (UKR) | 26 Jul 2014 | Kirovograd (UKR) |
| 25 | 67.29 | Shiying Liu (CHN) | 15 Sep 2020 | Shaoxing (CHN) |
Historical performances (pre-1999 redesigns)
The javelin throw underwent significant evolution in the pre-redesign era, with athletes achieving remarkable distances using older implement designs that allowed for flatter trajectories and greater range. For men, the old model, in use until the 1986 redesign, produced throws that frequently exceeded 90 meters, culminating in East German athlete Uwe Hohn's world record of 104.80 meters on July 20, 1984, in Berlin, which remains the longest verified javelin throw in history and is often called the "eternal record" due to subsequent rule changes.[1] Other notable performances from this period include American Tom Petranoff's 99.72 meters in 1983 and Finnish Seppo Räty at 96.96 meters in 1991 with a pre-redesign implement before full transition. These distances highlighted the potential of the era's javelin, which had a center of gravity at its midpoint, promoting stable, low-angle flights that maximized range but posed challenges for field containment.[52][53] In women's competition, the pre-1999 javelin model similarly enabled exceptional performances, with East German Petra Felke setting the world record at exactly 80.00 meters on September 9, 1988, in Potsdam, a mark that stood until the redesign reset official records. Key examples from the top historical throws include British athlete Fatima Whitbread's 77.44 meters in 1986 and Felke's own progression to 78.80 meters in 1987, demonstrating how the implement's design favored distances often 5-10 meters longer than those achievable with post-redesign models due to reduced aerodynamic lift and flatter flight paths. Other standout efforts encompassed Cuban María Caridad Colón's 70.14 meters on 15 June 1986, underscoring a period of rapid record progression driven by refined throwing techniques and implement stability.[1][54][55] The lack of earlier redesigns in both genders led to increasing safety concerns, as the javelin's tendency for flat, low landings caused frequent sector overruns and heightened risks of injury to athletes, officials, and spectators in stadium environments with limited throwing areas. For instance, throws approaching or exceeding 100 meters in the men's event often sailed beyond standard field boundaries, prompting the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF, now World Athletics) to implement changes: the men's javelin center of gravity was shifted forward by 4 centimeters starting April 1986, encouraging more rotation and steeper descents to shorten distances by about 10% while improving safety. Women followed suit in April 1999 with an identical adjustment, as escalating performances mirrored the men's issues, reducing average throws and mitigating overrun risks without altering the sport's core dynamics.[13][56] Regarding record validity, while most pre-redesign marks were officially recognized at the time, the transitions effectively reset progression lists, rendering older achievements ineligible for current comparisons; however, no widespread annulments occurred specifically for pre-1986 safety non-compliance, though some post-redesign throws were later voided for implement discrepancies or doping, preserving the historical integrity of era-specific highs.[1]Major championships
Olympic Games results
The javelin throw has been a men's event at the Summer Olympics since 1908, contested in 27 editions through 2024, with the first gold medal won by Sweden's Eric Lemming with a throw of 54.82 meters.[57] Early competitions featured modest distances under 70 meters, dominated by athletes from Sweden, Finland, and the United States, such as Cy Young's 73.78-meter victory in 1952.[57] Post-World War II, distances surged due to advances in training and equipment, reaching over 90 meters by the 1970s, exemplified by Miklós Németh's 94.58-meter Olympic record in 1976.[3] The 1980 and 1984 Games were impacted by boycotts, with the Soviet-led bloc absent in 1984, allowing Finnish thrower Arto Härkönen to win gold at 86.76 meters, while the 1980 event saw Soviet dominance amid Western absences. Recent decades have seen a shift from European and American leads to greater Asian representation, highlighted by India's Neeraj Chopra's 87.58-meter gold in 2020 and Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem's 92.97-meter Olympic record in 2024.[58]| Year | Gold Medalist (Country, Distance) | Silver Medalist (Country, Distance) | Bronze Medalist (Country, Distance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | Eric Lemming (SWE, 54.82 m) | Arne Halse (NOR, 50.56 m) | Otto Nilsson (SWE, 47.10 m) |
| 1912 | Eric Lemming (SWE, 60.64 m) | Juho Saaristo (FIN, 58.66 m) | Mór Kóczán (HUN, 55.50 m) |
| 1920 | Jonni Myyrä (FIN, 65.78 m) | Urho Peltonen (FIN, 63.50 m) | Paavo Johansson (FIN, 63.08 m) |
| 1924 | Jonni Myyrä (FIN, 62.96 m) | Gunnar Lindström (SWE, 60.92 m) | Eugene Oberst (USA, 58.34 m) |
| 1928 | Erik Lundqvist (SWE, 66.60 m) | Béla Szepes (HUN, 65.26 m) | Olav Sunde (NOR, 63.96 m) |
| 1932 | Matti Järvinen (FIN, 72.70 m) | Martti Sippala (FIN, 69.80 m) | Eino Penttilä (FIN, 68.70 m) |
| 1936 | Gerhard Stöck (GER, 71.84 m) | Yrjö Nikkanen (FIN, 70.76 m) | Kalervo Toivonen (FIN, 70.72 m) |
| 1948 | Tapio Rautavaara (FIN, 69.76 m) | Steve Seymour (USA, 67.56 m) | József Várszegi (HUN, 67.02 m) |
| 1952 | Cy Young (USA, 73.78 m) | Bill Miller (USA, 72.46 m) | Toivo Hyytiäinen (FIN, 71.88 m) |
| 1956 | Egil Danielsen (NOR, 85.70 m) | Janusz Sidlo (POL, 79.98 m) | Viktor Tsibulenko (URS, 79.50 m) |
| 1960 | Viktor Tsibulenko (URS, 84.64 m) | Walter Krüger (GDR, 79.36 m) | Gergely Kulcsár (HUN, 78.56 m) |
| 1964 | Pauli Nevala (FIN, 82.66 m) | Gergely Kulcsár (HUN, 82.32 m) | Janis Lusis (URS, 80.56 m) |
| 1968 | Janis Lusis (URS, 90.10 m) | Jorma Kinnunen (FIN, 88.58 m) | Gergely Kulcsár (HUN, 87.06 m) |
| 1972 | Klaus Wolfermann (FRG, 90.48 m) | Janis Lusis (URS, 90.46 m) | Bill Schmidt (USA, 84.42 m) |
| 1976 | Miklós Németh (HUN, 94.58 m) | Hannu Siitonen (FIN, 87.92 m) | Gheorghe Megelea (ROU, 87.16 m) |
| 1980 | Dainis Kūla (URS, 91.20 m) | Aleksandr Makarov (URS, 89.64 m) | Wolfgang Hanisch (GDR, 86.72 m) |
| 1984 | Arto Härkönen (FIN, 86.76 m) | David Ottley (GBR, 85.74 m) | Kenth Eldebrink (SWE, 83.72 m) |
| 1988 | Tapio Korjus (FIN, 84.28 m) | Jan Železný (TCH, 84.12 m) | Seppo Räty (FIN, 83.26 m) |
| 1992 | Jan Železný (TCH, 89.66 m) | Seppo Räty (FIN, 86.60 m) | Steve Backley (GBR, 83.38 m) |
| 1996 | Jan Železný (CZE, 88.16 m) | Steve Backley (GBR, 87.44 m) | Seppo Räty (FIN, 86.98 m) |
| 2000 | Jan Železný (CZE, 90.17 m) | Steve Backley (GBR, 89.85 m) | Sergey Makarov (RUS, 88.67 m) |
| 2004 | Andreas Thorkildsen (NOR, 86.50 m) | Vadims Vasiļevskis (LAT, 84.95 m) | Sergey Makarov (RUS, 84.84 m) |
| 2008 | Andreas Thorkildsen (NOR, 90.57 m) | Ainārs Kovals (LAT, 86.64 m) | Tero Pitkämäki (FIN, 86.16 m) |
| 2012 | Keshorn Walcott (TRI, 84.58 m) | Oleksandr Pyatnytsya (UKR, 84.51 m) | Antti Ruuskanen (FIN, 84.12 m) |
| 2016 | Thomas Röhler (GER, 90.30 m) | Julius Yego (KEN, 88.24 m) | Keshorn Walcott (TRI, 85.38 m) |
| 2020 | Neeraj Chopra (IND, 87.58 m) | Jakub Vadlejch (CZE, 86.67 m) | Vítězslav Veselý (CZE, 85.44 m) |
| 2024 | Arshad Nadeem (PAK, 92.97 m) | Neeraj Chopra (IND, 89.45 m) | Anderson Peters (GRN, 88.54 m) |
| Year | Gold Medalist (Country, Distance) | Silver Medalist (Country, Distance) | Bronze Medalist (Country, Distance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Babe Didrikson (USA, 43.68 m) | Ellen Braumüller (GER, 43.48 m) | Tilly Fleischer (GER, 43.00 m) |
| 1936 | Tilly Fleischer (GER, 45.18 m) | Luise Krüger (GER, 43.29 m) | Maria Kwaśniewska (POL, 41.80 m) |
| 1948 | Herma Bauma (AUT, 45.68 m) | Kaisa Parviainen (FIN, 43.92 m) | Ingeborg Mello (ARG, 42.02 m) |
| 1952 | Dana Zátopková (TCH, 50.82 m) | Aleksandra Chudina (URS, 50.01 m) | Yelena Gorchakova (URS, 49.83 m) |
| 1956 | Inese Jaunzeme (URS, 53.86 m) | Marlene Ahrens (CHI, 50.38 m) | Nadezhda Konyayeva (URS, 50.28 m) |
| 1960 | Elvīra Ozoliņa (URS, 55.98 m) | Dana Zátopková (TCH, 53.78 m) | Birutė Kaledienė (URS, 53.45 m) |
| 1964 | Mihaela Peneș (ROU, 60.54 m) | Márta Rudas (HUN, 58.27 m) | Yelena Gorchakova (URS, 57.06 m) |
| 1968 | Angela Németh (HUN, 60.36 m) | Mihaela Peneș (ROU, 59.92 m) | Eva Janko (AUT, 58.04 m) |
| 1972 | Ruth Fuchs (GDR, 63.88 m) | Jacqueline Todten (GDR, 62.54 m) | Kathryn Schmidt (USA, 59.98 m) |
| 1976 | Ruth Fuchs (GDR, 65.94 m) | Marion Becker (FRG, 64.70 m) | Kathryn Schmidt (USA, 64.01 m) |
| 1980 | María Caridad Colón (CUB, 68.40 m) | Saida Gumba (URS, 67.76 m) | Ute Hommola (GDR, 66.56 m) |
| 1984 | Tessa Sanderson (GBR, 69.56 m) | Tiina Lillak (FIN, 69.00 m) | Fatima Whitbread (GBR, 67.14 m) |
| 1988 | Petra Felke (GDR, 74.68 m) | Fatima Whitbread (GBR, 70.32 m) | Beate Peters (FRG, 67.48 m) |
| 1992 | Silke Renk (GER, 68.34 m) | Natalya Shikolenko (EUN, 68.26 m) | Karen Forkel (GER, 66.86 m) |
| 1996 | Heli Rantanen (FIN, 67.94 m) | Louise McPaul (AUS, 65.54 m) | Trine Hattestad (NOR, 64.98 m) |
| 2000 | Trine Hattestad (NOR, 67.51 m) | Mirela Manjani (GRE, 67.51 m) | Osleidys Menéndez (CUB, 66.18 m) |
| 2004 | Osleidys Menéndez (CUB, 71.53 m) | Steffi Nerius (GER, 65.82 m) | Mirela Manjani (GRE, 64.29 m) |
| 2008 | Barbora Špotáková (CZE, 71.42 m) | Maria Abakumova (RUS, 70.78 m) | Christina Obergföll (GER, 66.21 m) |
| 2012 | Barbora Špotáková (CZE, 69.55 m) | Christina Obergföll (GER, 65.16 m) | Linda Stahl (GER, 65.06 m) |
| 2016 | Sara Kolak (CRO, 66.18 m) | Sunette Viljoen (RSA, 64.92 m) | Barbora Špotáková (CZE, 64.80 m) |
| 2020 | Liu Shiying (CHN, 66.34 m) | Maria Andrejczyk (POL, 64.65 m) | Kelsey-Lee Barber (AUS, 64.61 m) |
| 2024 | Haruka Kitaguchi (JPN, 65.80 m) | Jo-Ane van Dyk (RSA, 63.93 m) | Nikola Ogrodníková (CZE, 63.68 m) |
World Championships results
The javelin throw has been a core event at the World Athletics Championships since the inaugural edition in 1983, held biennially in odd-numbered years until the 2022-2023 annual format, with the 20th edition held in Tokyo in 2025. The men's competition has highlighted technical mastery and distance milestones, particularly through the dominance of Jan Železný (Czechoslovakia/Czech Republic), who captured gold medals in 1993 (Stuttgart, 85.98 m), 1995 (Göteborg, 89.66 m), and 2001 (Edmonton, 92.80 m), the latter establishing the enduring championship record. Other early standouts include Detlef Michel (East Germany) winning the 1983 debut with 89.48 m and South Africa's Marius Corbett upsetting favorites for gold in 1997 (Athens, 88.47 m).[61] The event has grown in global diversity, with non-European victors like Kenya's Julius Yego (2015, Beijing, 92.72 m) and Grenada's Anderson Peters (2019, Doha, 86.89 m; 2022, Eugene, 90.54 m) showcasing rising competition from Africa and the Americas. In recent editions, Asia has emerged prominently, as seen in India's Neeraj Chopra securing gold in 2023 (Budapest, 88.17 m). The 2025 Tokyo championships exemplified this trend, with Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott claiming gold (88.16 m) ahead of Peters (silver, 87.38 m) and the United States' Curtis Thompson (bronze, 86.67 m), while Chopra placed eighth (85.21 m) and India's Sachin Yadav fourth (86.27 m). Participation has expanded significantly, from 18 entrants in 1983 to over 35 in 2025 across 28 nations, reflecting broader international development programs.| Year | Location | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Daegu | Matthias de Zordo (GER), 86.27 m | Vítězslav Veselý (CZE), 85.63 m | Guillermo Martínez (CUB), 84.78 m |
| 2013 | Moscow | Vítězslav Veselý (CZE), 88.34 m | Dmitriy Tarabin (RUS), 87.80 m | Tero Pitkämäki (FIN), 83.92 m |
| 2015 | Beijing | Julius Yego (KEN), 92.72 m | Vítězslav Veselý (CZE), 89.72 m | Ihar Janovich (BLR), 84.85 m |
| 2017 | London | Johannes Vetter (GER), 89.89 m | Jakub Vadlejch (CZE), 89.73 m | Petr Frydrych (CZE), 86.67 m |
| 2019 | Doha | Anderson Peters (GRN), 86.89 m | Christof Reiß (GER), 85.71 m | Magnus Kirt (EST), 85.61 m |
| 2022 | Eugene | Anderson Peters (GRN), 90.54 m | Oliver Helander (FIN), 89.50 m | Neeraj Chopra (IND), 88.13 m |
| 2023 | Budapest | Neeraj Chopra (IND), 88.17 m | Arshad Nadeem (PAK), 87.82 m | Jakub Vadlejch (CZE), 86.67 m |
| 2025 | Tokyo | Keshorn Walcott (TTO), 88.16 m | Anderson Peters (GRN), 87.38 m | Curtis Thompson (USA), 86.67 m |
| Year | Location | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Daegu | Barbora Špotáková (CZE), 66.48 m | Mariya Abakumova (RUS), 65.65 m | Kathryn Mitchell (AUS), 64.33 m |
| 2013 | Moscow | Barbora Špotáková (CZE), 67.23 m | Mariya Abakumova (RUS), 66.58 m | Katharina Molitor (GER), 65.25 m |
| 2015 | Beijing | Sara Kolak (CRO), 66.76 m | Mariya Abakumova (RUS), 66.29 m | Kathryn Mitchell (AUS), 65.20 m |
| 2017 | London | Lu Huihui (CHN), 67.78 m | Throwing Yevgeniya Kolodko (KAZ), 65.87 m | Christin Hussong (GER), 65.16 m |
| 2019 | Doha | Christin Hussong (GER), 67.90 m | Liu Shiying (CHN), 65.43 m | Tatyana Khalipova (AIN), 64.30 m |
| 2022 | Eugene | Xiaxia Jiang (CHN), 67.41 m | Mackenzie Little (AUS), 66.64 m | Liveta Jasiūnaitė (LTU), 63.92 m |
| 2023 | Budapest | Haruka Kitaguchi (JPN), 66.73 m | Flor Ruiz (COL), 65.47 m | Mackenzie Little (AUS), 64.36 m |
| 2025 | Tokyo | Juleisy Angulo (ECU), 65.12 m NR | Anete Sietiņa (LAT), 64.64 m | Mackenzie Little (AUS), 63.58 m |