When the majority of people consider the sport of track and field the first thing they think of is the running events. Events like the 100 and 200 meter dash get the most attention from audiences most likely because they are more technically accessible and it’s clear to see that what top level runners do is impressive. When it comes to the throwing events such as shotput and discus, however, they are much less talked about in the mainstream because of the throws’ very niche technical nature which can make the event uninteresting to watch or intimidating to try out.

This perception is understandable, but the fact is that the throwing events have unique yet equally as compelling qualities to any other event. Shot put and discus provides a special blend of strength, technique, and precision that can’t be found in any other events of the track or the field. These events aren’t simply about throwing an object as far as possible with nothing but brute strength, rather they are a sequence of precise and graceful movements that take advantage of the physics of leverages and torque in order to launch the implement to distances that otherwise wouldn’t be physically possible.

While the complex intricacies of the throw can be daunting for many beginners, picking up the sport in high school and really taking the time to go through the motions and understand the form will prove the throws to be some of the most satisfying and rewarding events in track and field. Progress in throwing is very directly measurable, similar to a sport like weightlifting, and as long as you are putting in the effort, technique and distances are guaranteed to improve over time. Setting a new personal record and seeing the implement fly further than before creates an immense sense of accomplishment in a thrower and leads to a greater appreciation for the sport as a whole.

Worthington Kilbourne track and field athletes Anthony Katsares, Colin Gorbett, and Sarah Lundine speak on their own experiences as throwers. Anthony is one of Kilbourne’s most successful discus throwers with a PR of 139 feet. When asked for his thoughts he stated that “throwing is such a great sport for anyone who wants to improve strength and coordination and for people who maybe don’t enjoy team sports since it’s very individual-oriented.” Colin, a senior, pointed out that he had “only been throwing shot put since last year but grew so much in that little time and now [he] secured the top spot on varsity shot put.” Sarah, who is also a senior, has had a very unique experience with throwing as before she started throwing she had already become the most decorated mid distance runner on the women’s track team. Despite this, Sarah still decided to give throwing a try her senior year along with continuing her running career. She stated that she is “very grateful for throwing because it provided a new challenge for [her]” and that she “would definitely recommend throwing to any new athletes regardless of what your other events are because it’s so unique and even though it’s difficult to get into at first, it’ll turn into something to look forward to during practice and at meets.”