One of the original Olympic events, the shot put will be the only event held at the Ancient Olympic Stadium, the birthplace of the modern Games.
Building momentum
Modern shot putters rely on one of two techniques, which differ in preliminary movements.
– GLIDE TECHNIQUE
Developed by American Parry O’Brien in 1951, it helped him become the first to put more than 59 feet. Based on the throwing motion used in the discus, it generally provides athletes with greater force.
– SPIN TECHNIQUE
Based on the throwing motion used in the discus, it generally provides athletes with greater force.
Releasing the shot
During the half-second release, the athlete exerts force on the shot by straightening the legs, rotating the trunk and extending the arm in the direction of the put. Strength is transferred from the legs up through the arms.
Components of the delivery
For right-handed shot putter
UPPER BODY
Shot must never drop below the athlete’s shoulders and must be pushed, not thrown.
Right elbow must be away from the body. It should never be down close to the torso.
Optimal release angle is about 40-43 degrees, depending on the putter’s height.
LOWER BODY
Hips are parallel to the front of the throwing area. The belly button is centered between the feet to create balance.
Left leg straightens as most of the body’s weight shifts from the right to the left leg.
Right leg drives the put, and both legs lift up, providing height. Average release height is about 7 feet for men.
Shoes are usually made of leather or suede and do not have cleats because the athlete is on concrete. A flat sole offers maximum stability.
The shot
– MEN’S
4.4 – 5.2 inches
Minimum weight: 16 pounds
– WOMEN’S
3.8 – 4.4 inches
Minimum weight: 8.8 pounds
– Usually made of solid iron, brass or other metal, the shot is spherical and smooth-surfaced.
– Because tiny particles can chip off during landing, shots are weighed before each put. Chips can be added to bring the shot back to legal weight.
The match
MEASURING THE PUT
Puts are measured from the mark made by the shot closest to the inner edge of the ring that bounds the throwing circle. Distances are rounded down to the nearest quarter-inch.
PICKING A WINNER
Preliminaries: Athletes have up to three puts; the best eight competitors advance.
Finals: Each finalist makes three more puts. The best distance in any of the six puts determines the winner. A tie is broken by the athletes’ second-best puts.
Going the distance
Throwing circle: During the put, athletes must remain within this area. Once they enter the circle, athletes have 90 seconds to complete the throw.
Landing area: The shot must land within the inner edges of the marked white lines bounding the sector, which is usually made of cinder or grass.
Stop board: The athlete’s foot may hit the 4-inch-high, arc-shaped wooden board during the put.
Olympic shot putters throw about 60 to 75 feet.
34.92 degrees, About 98 feet long
Athletes to watch
– John Godina
United States
Won silver in the 1996 Olympics and bronze in 2000.
– Adam Nelson
United States
Has remained one of the top three in the world since 2000.
– Yuriy Bilonog
Ukraine
Claimed third place in world championships in 2003 in Paris.
2000 results
Men’s shot put
G: Arsi Harju, Finland
S: Adam Nelson, United States
B: John Godina, United States
All-time medal standings
Competition began in 1896
United States 45
Germany 7
USSR/Russia 6
Finland 4
Sources: International Association of Athletics Federations; Criss Somerlot, U.S. Olympic men’s throws coach; U.S. Olympic Committee; Ramona Page, women’s shot put development coordinator; USA Track and Field; Journal of Sports Sciences; “Sports: The Complete Visual Reference;” “Rules of the Game”
Chicago Tribune
– See microfilm for complete graphic.
