The field events at the London 2012 Olympic Games test competitors on two specific abilities.
Sometime the events test jumping distance: long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault.
Sometimes the events test throwing: shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin.
All events require speed, strength, strategy, coordination, and athletic prowess. Unlike the decathlon, where many of the events are combined, these athletes specialize in one discipline. Both men and women compete separately in all events.
Long Jump
The long jump has been part of every Olympic Games in the modern era. Competitors need speed, strength, and agility, as the timing of the jump matters as much as the speed they are running and the angle of takeoff when they jump. Competitors must be careful not to pass the "take off line" while also being careful to not jump too soon. Distance traveled is measured from the line, not from where they jumped. Each participant may make up to three jumps, with only the longest distance jumped determining advancement to the finals, where three additional jumps will determine a winner.
Triple Jump
Often called a hop, skip, and a jump, the triple jump involves competitors running to a take off line, jumping, landing briefly (almost bouncing), and, finally, making one last landing and jump. Variations of this event date back to the ancient games.
Shot Put
The shot put is another classic field event. Competitors hold a heavy metal ball tight to their neck. Some competitors choose to spin like a top to generate momentum, while others using a gliding-hop to advance. Both methods are acceptable, and both produce similar results. Each competitor may take up to three throws, with only his best throw determining advancement to the finals, where three additional throws will help determine a winner. The best throw, regardless of whether in preliminary or final rounds, wins.
Hammer
The hammer throw is another classic field event from the ancient games. Competitors hold a handle, connected by a chain to a heavy metal ball. As with shot put and discus, competitors spin to gain momentum before they throw. Each competitor may take up to three throws, with only his best throw determining advancement to the finals, where three additional throws will help determine a winner.
High Jump
Competitors attempt to clear a horizontal bar. Unlike pole vault, this is all about their leaping ability with no mechanical help. Competitors failing to clear the bar at a given height, or who knock down the bar, are eliminated after three consecutive misses. The bar is raised one all competitors wishing to do so have attempted a height. Jumpers can also pass on lower heights as it is the highest jump that wins, and many do not want to risk misses at lower heights.
Discus
As with shot put and long jump, discus is an original Olympic event. Similar to the shot put, competitors attempt to throw a Frisbee-like disc (although the discus weighs just over 4 pounds) the longest distance. Each competitor may take up to three throws, with only his best throw determining advancement to the finals, where three additional throws will help determine a winner. The best throw, regardless of whether in preliminary or final rounds, wins.
Pole Vault
Heights cleared in the Olympic pole vault have increased from just over 10 feet in the first modern games to nearly 20 feet today. The same rules of competition apply as in high jump, except the pole aids your elevation.
Javelin
Competitors run and throw the javelin, a 2.5-meter long spear. This requires both strength and technique. Unlike the hammer, shot put, and discus events the participants in javelin must throw according to specific rules. Each competitor may take up to three throws, with only his best throw determining advancement to the finals, where three additional throws will help determine a winner.
Definitions and descriptions were obtained from, and more information is available at www.olympic.org and www.london2012.com.
A fan of the Olympics and frequent writer about the 2012 London Games, Dave will be spending his summer vacation stateside, cheering on Team USA to gold.
