Kuulanheittäjä

Kuulanheittäjä is the Finnish word for a shot putter, an athlete who competes in the shot put event. The shot put is a track and field discipline where participants attempt to throw a heavy spherical ball, known as a shot, as far as possible. The shot is typically made of metal, such as iron or brass, and its weight varies depending on the age and gender of the competitor, commonly ranging from 4 kilograms for women and younger male athletes to 7.26 kilograms for senior men.

In the shot put event, the athlete stands within a throwing circle and, after an initial stance, propels the shot using a single hand. There are two main styles: the glide and the spin. The glide technique involves the athlete moving across the circle with a shuffle-step motion, while the spin technique, similar to that used in discus throwing, allows for greater momentum generation by rotating the body. The throw must be released from above the shoulder, and the athlete must remain within the throwing circle until the shot lands.

The goal of the kuulanheittäjä is to achieve the longest legal throw. Competitions typically involve a series of throws, with the athlete's best valid throw determining their final placing. Factors such as strength, technique, speed, and balance are crucial for success. The shot put is an ancient sport with origins tracing back to ancient Greece, and it has been an Olympic event since the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.