Javelin throw in a stadium

A javelin is a light spear designed to be thrown. Historically it was a weapon, but from the Ancient Greeks to today it is used for sport. The javelin is almost always thrown by hand.

The javelin throw is a sports event, one of the field events which survive from the original Olympic Games. The athlete holds the javelin in one hand and, while running, throws it as far as possible. It is an official Olympic sport.