With the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games just a few months away, sports fans are gearing up for one of the biggest events in the sporting world. The Olympics, known for its unique blend of sports, from gymnastics to swimming and athletics, is a true testament to the human spirit, endurance, and athleticism. One sport that is often overlooked, however, is the hammer throw.
The hammer throw, an event in the athletics category, involves competitors hurling a heavy metal ball attached to a wire, known as the hammer. This event is not only physically demanding but is also one of the most technically challenging sports out there. In this article, we will discuss why the hammer throw is the most underrated Olympic sport and why you need to watch it.
Understanding the Hammer Throw
The hammer throw has been around since the ancient times, where Scottish soldiers would compete against each other by throwing hammers for entertainment. Over time, it has evolved into a technical sport that involves a great deal of training to master.
In the hammer throw, athletes spin in a circle with the hammer in hand, building up momentum before releasing it as far as they can. The throw is measured from the point of impact on the ground to where the hammer lands. This is a discipline that requires raw strength, agility and athleticism, and supreme focus.
The Challenges of the Hammer Throw
The hammer throw might not be as widely known as other Olympic sports, such as track and field or gymnastics, but it is not one to be underestimated. The event involves several challenges that make it difficult for competitors. Here are a few of them:
Mastering the Technique
One of the biggest challenges of the hammer throw is mastering the spin technique. To maximize their throw, athletes must be able to spin around multiple times without losing balance. This requires impeccable timing, coordination, and agility.
Raw Strength
Hammer throw athletes personify brute power. The sport requires an immense amount of raw strength, particularly in the upper body, to be able to swing the hammer and throw it as far as possible. Competitors spend countless hours in the gym building their strength and working on their technique.
Facing the Elements
The weather can be a hindrance in the hammer throw. Strong winds can have a significant impact on the flight of the hammer, making it difficult for competitors to throw it accurately. Rain or hot weather, on the other hand, can also affect the athlete’s grip on the hammer, making it slippery and challenging to maintain control during the spin technique.
Competing Against the Best
The hammer throw, like any sport in the Olympics, attracts the world’s best athletes. Comprising of athletes from all corners of the globe, many of whom have dedicated their entire lives to the sport, it is an incredibly challenging environment to compete in.
What Makes The Hammer Throw Stand Out?
Now that we understand the challenges that come with the hammer throw, let’s look at why it stands out among other Olympic sports.
The Spectacle
The hammer throw is a spectacle to watch. The athletes’ ability to generate incredible amounts of momentum and power as they spin with the hammer, and the sight of the hammer hurling through the air before landing with a heavy thud on the ground is truly awe-inspiring. It is a sport that is as visually stunning as it is physically demanding.
Sport for All
The hammer throw, like most Olympic sports, has a category for both men and women. It is a discipline that involves strength, grit, and determination from competitors of all shapes and sizes; success is not dependent on solely being the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but combining these attributes with technique, finesse, and mental endurance.
The Thrill of Competition
The hammer throw, despite being an individual sport, involves a level of competition that is thrilling to watch. Athletes compete against each other, pushing themselves to their limits to throw their hammer as far as they possibly can.
Top Tips For Watching The Hammer Throw
Watching the hammer throw can be an enjoyable experience, considering that you understand the sport’s various elements. Here are some tips on how to get a better viewing experience:
Understanding The Scoring System
In the hammer throw, competitors are given three attempts during the preliminary rounds. The four athletes with the farthest throws then move on to the finals. In the finals, each athlete is given three more attempts. The winner is the athlete with the farthest distance from their six throws.
Recognize The Different Throwing Styles
There are two different throwing styles used in the hammer throw: the «wind» and «non-wind» technique. In the wind technique, the athlete spins in the same direction as the hammer before releasing it. In contrast, the non-wind technique involves spinning in the opposite direction to the hammer before releasing it. By recognizing these two techniques, you can better appreciate the art of the hammer throw.
Watch For The «Release Angle»
The release angle is the angle at which the hammer is released, and it plays a significant role in determining the distance of the throw. Athletes must release the hammer at just the right point in their spin, and the angle of release can be the difference between a good throw and a great one.
Conclusion
The hammer throw might not be the most popular Olympic sport, but it is undoubtedly one worth watching. The sport’s unique blend of power, technique, and finesse is awe-inspiring, and the athletes’ ability to hurl a heavy metal ball as far as possible is a spectacle to behold. If you’re looking for an Olympic sport to watch for the first time, you won’t go wrong with the hammer throw. Remember to watch for the different throwing styles, scoring system, and release angle, and you’ll soon appreciate why the hammer throw is the most underrated Olympic sport.
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