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The HammerThe origins of throwing the hammer have never been in doubt. Wherever hammers were used - blacksmiths, quarries or farms - a diversionary pastime would be throwing the utilitarian wooden-shafted sledgehammer. The sport's long history can be judged by the following extract quoted by author David Webster from an 1826 games poster:To the best at throwing the sledgehammer - a large silver brooch. To the next best - a set of patent leather sword belts Throwers used to gain great momentum - and distance - by turning the body rapidly to build up speed before releasing the hammer. Instances were very common of throwers losing their grip on the shaft or of releasing it a little too late with the hammer flying over or, even worse into the crowds. This soon brought about a ban on that method! The old hammer has been replaced by an iron sphere on a rotan or male bamboo shaft, measuring 4ft 2ins (1.27m) and weighting either 16lbs (7.3kgs) or 22lbs ( 10kgs). The thrower stands with his back to the trig (the throwing mark),
swings the hammer round his head to gather momentum and then releases
it over his shoulder. The event certainly needs exeellent timing and whilst the conventional image of a hammer thrower is of a Herculean figure, some past record breakers have been short and slight which proves that knack is very much a secret of success. Another prime requirement is a mcenxe gnp ann uxe weignt urters, the throwers will improve theirs by the use of resin on their hands. |