Just like other throwing events, the competition is decided on who can throw the hammer the furthest. The 'Hammer Throw' derived from old competitions where an actual sledge-hammer was thrown. Nowadays however the hammer is replaced with a steel or lead weight, one of the adopted methods derived from one of the most significant players in Hammer Throwing, Donald Dinnie.
Back in the 19th century, he was the first athlete to turn hammer throwing into a full 360 degrees before releasing. The turns allowed the athlete to achieve a much greater distance. This marked a significant split between traditional Scottish Highland games and modern track and field athletics.
2 comments:
Gosh you've been having an exciting time too Peter!
Yes, but note I do not appear in any of the photos! I shall shortly be starting a series of posts on my visit to Edinburgh Zoo - perhaps you will find me in one of the cages!
I am pleased that your Welsh trip went so well.
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