Javelins

A javelin is a light spear designed to be thrown by hand. Historically it has functioned as a weapon, a hunting implement, and, in modern times, a sporting device. Javelins have appeared in many cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, Celts, and steppe peoples, and were typically made with a wooden shaft and a metal head. Designs varied to optimize range, impact, and ease of flight.

In ancient warfare, javelins served as ranged weapons used by skirmishers and light infantry. They could be thrown singly or in volleys and were valued for their portability and speed. As tactics evolved and armor improved, specialized throwing spears and longer devices emerged across different regions. The term remains in use for similar implements in hunting and sport.

Today, the javelin is most commonly associated with the track and field event of javelin throw. Throws are initiated from a designated circle and must land within a defined throwing sector to count. Standard competition javelins have specific specifications: men’s javelins typically weigh about 800 grams and are around 2.6 to 2.7 meters long; women’s javelins weigh about 600 grams and measure about 2.2 to 2.3 meters. Modern javelins are constructed from metal tips and shafts made of wood, aluminum, or composite materials designed for aerodynamic stability and consistent performance.

In 1986, the governing bodies changed javelin design by moving the center of gravity forward to shorten throws and enhance safety. The best-known records with the redesigned javelin include a men’s world record set in 1996 and a women’s mark established in the late 2000s.