Shot put
A track and field event of putting a heavy spherical ball.
The shot put is a track and field event in which a heavy spherical ball, called the shot, is put (thrown) as far as possible. The event has ancient roots, with Homer mentioning rock throwing by soldiers, though the first evidence of stone- or weight-throwing events comes from the Scottish Highlands around the first century.
- event_type
- Track and field throwing event
- men's_shot_weight
- 7.26 kg (16 lb)
- women's_shot_weight
- 4 kg (8.82 lb)
- throwing_sector_angle
- 34.92°
Lore & Background
The shot put's origins trace to medieval soldiers hurling cannonballs, with the first recorded competitions in early 19th-century Scotland.
Reader's Guide
Competitions typically involve qualification rounds and a final with three preliminary throws, followed by three additional throws for the top eight competitors; the longest legal put wins. The glide involves a linear backward-to-forward motion, while the spin uses rotational momentum. Most top male shot putters currently use the spin, though the glide offers greater consistency. The world record for men is 23.37 meters, set by Ryan Crouser using a spin technique with an added move called the 'Crouser Slide.' The cartwheel style, a vertical spinning technique, is banned in major competitions.
Did You Know?
- The first recorded shot put competitions were in early 19th-century Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shot put?
The shot put is a track and field throwing event in which an athlete launches a heavy metal sphere as far as possible from a small circle. Unlike the javelin or discus, it relies on a pushing motion from the shoulder rather than a swinging or spinning release.
How does Shot put's story end?
A throw is nullified if the athlete steps on or over the front edge of the circle before the shot lands, or if the shot lands outside the marked sector. The competitor with the longest valid distance across all attempts takes the event.
What's Shot put's origin story?
Homer referenced soldiers hurling rocks, and the earliest organized weight-throwing contests are traced to the Scottish Highlands around the first century. The event was later standardized into the regulated circle-and-sector format we see in competition today.
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