heittoympyrä

Heittoympyrä, sometimes translated as throwing circle or discus circle, is a term used in athletics specifically within events like the discus throw and the hammer throw. It refers to the marked circular area from which an athlete must initiate their throw. The diameter of this circle is precisely defined by the rules of the sport. For men's discus, it is 2.5 meters in diameter, while for women's discus and for both men's and women's hammer throw, it is 2.135 meters in diameter.

The athlete begins their attempt from within this circle. They are permitted to turn and pivot within the circle to generate momentum, but they must not step on or outside the boundary line of the circle during the throwing action. The throw is considered valid only if the implement lands within the designated sector. Failure to adhere to the heittoympyrä regulations, such as stepping outside the circle before the implement has been released, results in a foul. The surface of the heittoympyrä is typically made of concrete or asphalt and is usually slightly raised from the surrounding ground. Its purpose is to provide a standardized and controlled starting point for these powerful throwing disciplines.