kuulantyöntäjä

A kuulantyöntäjä is a Finnish term referring to a shot putter, an athlete who competes in the shot put event. The shot put is a track and field discipline in which a heavy spherical ball, called a shot, is thrown. The athlete attempts to throw the shot as far as possible from a designated throwing circle. The distance is measured from the inside rim of the circle to the nearest edge of the mark made by the shot.

Kuulantyöntäjät typically train to develop explosive power, technique, and strength. The event requires a specific throwing motion that involves a glide or a spin within the circle to generate momentum before releasing the shot. The shot itself is made of metal, usually iron or brass, and its weight varies depending on the age and gender of the competitor. For senior men, the shot weighs 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds), while for senior women, it weighs 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds).

The technique employed by a kuulantyöntäjä is crucial for achieving maximum distance. This includes proper footwork, body positioning, and the efficient transfer of energy from the legs and core through the throwing arm. The goal is to launch the shot with the optimal angle and velocity. Competitions are judged based on the longest valid throw. Fouls can occur if the athlete steps outside the circle before the shot lands or fails to maintain control of the shot.