Kuulantyöntö

Kuulantyöntö, also known as shot put, is a track and field event in which athletes attempt to throw a heavy spherical object called a shot as far as possible. The sport has origins dating back to ancient Greece, where it was part of the pentathlon during the original Olympic Games.

The event is typically performed indoors or outdoors, with competitors standing inside a designated circle measuring 2.135 meters (7 feet) in diameter. The shot, which for men weighs 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds) and for women 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), is held close to the neck and launched with a combination of strength and technique. The athlete must stay within the circle during the attempt and is disqualified if they step outside the boundary before completing the throw.

The technique involves a combination of rotational (spin) or linear (glide) approaches to generate momentum. In the rotational style, the athlete performs a spin within the circle to build rotational speed before release. In the glide technique, the athlete slides backward across the circle to build momentum before pushing the shot forward.

Kuulantyöntö is a standard event in track and field competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, and national meets. Competitive throwing distances have increased over the years due to advances in training, technique, and equipment. The current world records are held by Ryan Crouser of the United States, with a throw of 23.56 meters (77.3 feet) set in 2021, and by Natalya Lisovskaya of the Soviet Union, with a throw of 22.63 meters (74.2 feet) set in 1987 for women.

Overall, kuulantyöntö combines strength, technique, and precision, making it a prominent and enduring event in athletics.