What is Javelin?
[[File:Javelin throw in stadium.jpg|thumb|Javelin throw in a stadium]] A '''javelin''' is a light [[spear]] designed to be thrown. Historically it was a weapon, but from the Ancient Greeks to today it is used for sport. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand. The javelin throw is a [[sport]]s event, one of the [[field event]]s which survive from the original Olympic Games. The [[Sportsperson|athlete]] holds the javelin in one hand and, while running, throws it as far as possible. It is an official [[Olympic]] sport.<ref>The Ancient Olympic Games by Judith Swaddling</ref> Unlike other throwing events, javelin allows the competitor to build speed over a considerable distance. == Related pages == {{commonscat}} *[[Discus throw]] *[[Hammer throw]] *[[Shot put]] *[[Track and field athletics]] ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:Sports equipment]]