SHOT PUT

Description

The "Put": The motion is a push from the shoulder, keeping the shot against the neck, not a throw like a baseball.

The Shot: A heavy, solid metal ball; men's is 16 lbs (7.26 kg), women's is 8.8 lbs (4 kg).

The Circle: Athletes start in a 7-foot diameter circle, launching from behind a stop board.

Technique: Athletes use either the linear (glide) or rotational technique to build momentum and power through the push.

Objective: Achieve the longest distance from the circle, landing within a marked sector.

History: An ancient sport, it's been in the modern Olympics for men since 1896 and for women since 1948, originating from Scottish Highland Games.