Shot Put
Japanese Name:
砲丸投げ
Romaji Name:
hougannage
Description
↓↓
Shot put is a track-and-field event where an athlete throws (puts) a heavy spherical object called a "shot."
Competitors launch the shot from a circular area, aiming for maximum horizontal distance within a marked sector.
Throws must be performed with one hand and from the shoulder, using either a glide or rotational technique.
Athletes combine strength, balance, and explosive power to generate force in a short movement.
Shot put is contested by men and women at local, national, and international athletics meets.
History
↓↓
Throwing heavy objects for distance is an ancient practice found in many cultures and military traditions.
Modern shot put evolved from medieval and Highland games where stones or cannonballs were thrown.
It became part of organized athletics in the 19th century as track-and-field events standardized.
Men’s shot put has been included in the modern Olympic Games since 1896.
Women’s shot put was added to the Olympic program in 1948.
Techniques developed over the 20th century (notably the glide and later the rotational spin) to increase distance.
Today shot put is a core event in athletics, with specialized training, equipment, and world records tracked internationally.