Neeraj Chopra got India its first Gold medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the men's javelin throw event, also a first in the category of Track and Field.
About:
The Javelin throw is a track and field event where the javelin, a spear is thrown. The javelin thrower gains momentum by running within a predetermined area.
It was added to the Ancient Olympic Games as part of the pentathlon in 708 BC. It consisted of the participation of both men and women. Modern Olympics Games programme had initiated the javelin throw for men in 1908 and women in 1932.
Guidelines
While throwing the javelin, the athlete must not turn his back towards the landing area at any given time between their approach and throw.
The javelin must be thrown from above the upper part of their throwing arm and must not cross the foul or scratch line at any cost. For the throw to be measured, the javelin must land tip first.
There are different standards for men and women in the sport, where men's javelin must weight a minimum of 800g and be 2.6m-2.7m long, women's javelin can weigh a minimum of 600g and be 2.2m-2.3m long.
Optimal Angle
Though high school physics says that for max range, a projectile should be launched at a 45-degree angle, it is true only when the launch and the target are at the same height.
In javelin throwing the launch is ~2m above ground and the target is at the ground and there are many aspects of aerodynamics involved. This makes the optimal angle is ~36 degrees.
The key concept is that the Centre of Gravity has to be ahead (4cm) of the Centre of Pressure.
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