Weight throw

Weight throw, 2002 Celtic Festival

Two sports have events that fall under the name of weight throw (Scottish Gaelic: caitheamh cuideam) one being the track and field event and the other being the Scottish highland games events.

The track and field event is most popular in the United States as an indoor equivalent to the hammer throw event, which can only be held outdoors. The 35 lb (16 kg) weight throw (men) and 20 lb (9.1 kg) weight throw (women) are not recognised by World Athletics.

The Scottish Highland Games contain two weight throwing events. In the one event the weight, 28 lb (13 kg) or 56 lb (25 kg), is thrown in a similar manner to a discus. In the other event, the 56-lb weight gets thrown over a bar for height.

Weight throw for distance

The 56-pound weight throw was conducted twice at the Olympic Games, in 1904 and in 1920.

All-time top 25

  • O = Outdoor performance
  • A = affected by altitude

Men

Rank Result Athlete Nationality Date Place Ref
1 26.35 m (86 ft 5+14 in) A Daniel Haugh  United States 16 February 2024 Albuquerque [1]
2 25.86 m (84 ft 10 in) Lance Deal  United States 4 March 1995 Atlanta
3 25.68 m (84 ft 3 in) Libor Charfreitag  Slovakia 5 March 2005 Sterling
4 25.58 m (83 ft 11 in) Michael Lihrman  United States 28 February 2015 Geneva
5 25.31 m (83 ft 14 in) A Conor McCullough  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [2]
6 25.18 m (82 ft 7+14 in) A. G. Kruger  United States 20 January 2012 Findlay
7 25.17 m (82 ft 6+34 in) O Jüri Tamm  Estonia 11 July 1992 Mäntyharju [3]
8 25.12 m (82 ft 4+34 in) Kibwé Johnson  United States 24 February 2008 Boston
9 24.72 m (81 ft 1 in) Scott Russell  Canada 8 February 2002 Ames
10 24.60 m (80 ft 8+12 in) A Daniel Roberts  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [2]
11 24.48 m (80 ft 3+34 in) Jake Freeman  United States 12 February 2009 Riverdale
12 24.46 m (80 ft 2+34 in) Thomas Mardal  Norway 11 March 2021 Fayetteville [4]
13 24.45 m (80 ft 2+12 in) A Israel Oloyede  United States 22 January 2022 Albuquerque [5]
14 24.43 m (80 ft 1+34 in) Andras Haklits  Croatia 9 March 2001 Fayetteville [6]
15 24.42 m (80 ft 1+14 in) A Alex Young  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [2]
16 24.41 m (80 ft 1 in) A Isaiah Rogers  United States 16 February 2024 Albuquerque [7]
17 24.40 m (80 ft 12 in) Garland Porter  United States 4 February 2011 Findlay
18 24.39 m (80 ft 0 in) Chukwuebuka Enekwechi  Nigeria 13 February 2015 West Lafayette
Jud Logan  United States 28 February 1992 Princeton
Kenneth Ikeji  Great Britain 24 February 2024 Cambridge [8]
21 24.38 m (79 ft 11+34 in) A O Cory Martin  United States 27 February 2010 Albuquerque
22 24.38 m (79 ft 11+34 in) Gleb Dudarev  Belarus 23 January 2020 Lawrence
23 24.20 m (79 ft 4+34 in) JC Lambert  United States 31 January 2015 Bloomington
24 24.15 m (79 ft 2+34 in) Bobby Colantonio  United States 14 January 2022 Birmingham [9]
25 24.14 m (79 ft 2+14 in) Trey Knight  United States 7 March 2024 Boston [10]
Notes

Below is a list of additional performances (excluding ancillary throws) equal or superior to 24.48 m:

  • Lance Deal also threw 25.48 m (83 ft 7 in) (1996), 25.41 m (83 ft 4+14 in) (1991), 24.90 m (81 ft 8+14 in) (1995), 24.84 m (81 ft 5+34 in) (1993) and 24.82 m (81 ft 5 in) (1993).
  • Daniel Haugh also threw 25.44 m (83 ft 5+12 in) A (2023), 25.04 m (82 ft 1+34 in) A (2020), 24.93 m (81 ft 9+14 in) (2022), 24.70 m (81 ft 14 in) (2020).
  • Libor Charfreitag also threw 25.28 m (82 ft 11+14 in) (2005), 25.26 m (82 ft 10+14 in) (2008), 25.03 m (82 ft 1+14 in) (2003), 24.88 m (81 ft 7+12 in) (2011), 24.86 m (81 ft 6+12 in) (2003) and 24.68 m (80 ft 11+12 in) (2005).
  • Kibwé Johnson also threw 25.08 m (82 ft 3+14 in) (2007).
  • Alfred Kruger also threw 24.99 m (81 ft 11+34 in) (2010), 24.78 m (81 ft 3+12 in) (2007) and 24.68 m (80 ft 11+12 in) (2012).
  • Mike Lihrman also threw 24.91 m (81 ft 8+12 in) (2015).
  • Conor McCullough also threw 24.48 m (80 ft 3+34 in) (2018).

Women

Rank Result Athlete Nationality Date Place Ref
1 26.02 m (85 ft 4+14 in) A DeAnna Price  United States 17 February 2023 Albuquerque [11]
2 25.73 m (84 ft 4+34 in) A Erin Reese  United States 17 February 2024 Albuquerque [12]
3 25.60 m (83 ft 11+34 in) A Gwen Berry  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque [13]
25.60 m (83 ft 11+34 in) Janeah Stewart  United States 21 January 2023 Nashville [14]
5 25.56 m (83 ft 10+14 in) Brittany Riley  United States 10 March 2007 Fayetteville
6 25.55 m (83 ft 9+34 in) Shey Taiwo  United States 11 March 2022 Birmingham [15]
7 25.32 m (83 ft 34 in) Oyesade Olatoye  Nigeria 10 February 2023 Nashville [16]
8 25.19 m (82 ft 7+12 in) Rachel Tanczos  United States 3 February 2024 Notre Dame [17]
9 25.07 m (82 ft 3 in) A Brooke Andersen  United States 4 February 2023 State College [citation needed]
10 24.94 m (81 ft 9+34 in) Jasmine Mitchell  United States 11 March 2022 Birmingham [15]
11 24.80 m (81 ft 4+14 in) Jalani Davis  United States 7 March 2024 Boston [18]
12 24.78 m (81 ft 3+12 in) A Amber Campbell  United States 25 February 2012 Albuquerque
24.78 m (81 ft 3+12 in) Annette Echikunwoke  United States 16 February 2018 Columbus [19]
14 24.46 m (80 ft 2+34 in) Erin Gilreath  United States 25 February 2005 Boston
15 24.37 m (79 ft 11+14 in) Kaitlyn Long  United States 24 February 2018 Geneva [20]
16 24.24 m (79 ft 6+14 in) Jeneva Stevens  United States 19 January 2018 Nashville [21]
17 24.22 m (79 ft 5+12 in) A Felisha Johnson  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque
18 24.21 m (79 ft 5 in) Candice Scott  Trinidad and Tobago 27 February 2005 Fayetteville
19 24.06 m (78 ft 11 in) Stamatía Skarvélis  Greece 23 February 2019 Fayetteville [22]
Camryn Rogers  Canada 11 March 2022 Birmingham [15]
21 24.05 m (78 ft 10+34 in) Janee' Kasanavoid  United States 21 January 2022 Manhattan [citation needed]
22 24.04 m (78 ft 10+14 in) Jennifer Dahlgren  Argentina 10 March 2006 Fayetteville
24.04 m (78 ft 10+14 in) A Jessica Ramsey  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque
24 23.83 m (78 ft 2 in) Elisia Lancaster  United States 19 January 2024 Bloomington [23]
25 23.73 m (77 ft 10+14 in) Ida Storm  Sweden 15 February 2017 Malmö [24]
Notes

Below is a list of additional (indoor) performances (excluding ancillary throws) equal or superior to 24.20 m:

  • Gwen Berry also threw 25.27 m (82 ft 10+34 in) (2018), 24.85 m (81 ft 6+14 in) (2018), 24.77 m (81 ft 3 in) (2017), 24.70 m (81 ft 14 in) (2013), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+34 in) (2016) and 24.39 m (80 ft 0 in) (2014).
  • Brittany Riley also threw 25.34 m (83 ft 1+12 in) (2008), 25.12 m (82 ft 4+34 in) (2012), 24.57 m (80 ft 7+14 in) (2007) and 24.35 m (79 ft 10+12 in) (2012).
  • Shey Taiwo also threw 25.19 m (82 ft 7+12 in) (2022).
  • Janeah Stewart also threw 25.08 m (82 ft 3+14 in) (2019), 25.05 m (82 ft 2 in) (2020), 24.82 m (81 ft 5 in) (2019), 24.80 m (81 ft 4+14 in) (2019), 24.62 m (80 ft 9+14 in) (2020), 24.58 m (80 ft 7+12 in) (2020), 24.29 m (79 ft 8+14 in) (2024) and 24.20 m (79 ft 4+34 in) (2023).
  • Brooke Andersen also threw 24.97 m (81 ft 11 in) (2023), 24.53 m (80 ft 5+12 in) (2024), 24.35 m (79 ft 10+12 in) (2024).
  • Erin Reese also threw 24.93 m (81 ft 9+14 in) (2021), 24.34 m (79 ft 10+14 in) (2023).
  • DeAnna Price also threw 24.71 m (81 ft 34 in) (2020), 24.57 m (80 ft 7+14 in) (2019), 24.52 m (80 ft 5+14 in) (2019), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+34 in) (2018) and 24.30 m (79 ft 8+12 in) A (2017).
  • Amber Campbell also threw 24.70 m (81 ft 14 in) (2010), 24.54 m (80 ft 6 in) (2007), 24.43 m (80 ft 1+34 in) (2009), 24.33 m (79 ft 9+34 in) (2016) and 24.32 m (79 ft 9+14 in) (2010).
  • Jalani Davis also threw 24.63 m (80 ft 9+12 in) (2023), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+34 in) A (2023).
  • Rachel Tanczos also threw 24.58 m (80 ft 7+12 in) (2023), 24.32 m (79 ft 9+14 in) (2024).
  • Annette Echikunwoke also threw 24.56 m (80 ft 6+34 in) (2023).
  • Oyesade Olatoye also threw 24.46 m (80 ft 2+34 in) (2019).

Note that Gwen Berry threw 24.35 m in 2016 but the performance was annulled due to violation of anti-doping procedures[25]

International competition

The event, held outdoors and indoors, is a World Championship and world record event in World Masters Athletics. Outdoors, it is also the final event of the Throws pentathlon. Masters athletics has different weight specifications for different age groups.[26]

Indoor event

The weight throw is an indoor track and field event, predominately in the US. The technique implemented to throw the weight is similar to that of the hammer throw in outdoor competition. In international competition, the men's weight is a 35 lb ball (25 for high school) with a D-ring or triangle handle attached directly to the weight. The technique in wide use is to start in a throwing circle with the thrower's back to the landing area. The weight is then swung overhead to gain momentum before transitioning into the spinning position. The thrower then turns heel to toe up to four times across the ring and toward the front of the circle. At the front of the circle, the thrower releases the weight over his/her shoulder and into the landing area. The landing area is a sector of 34.92° which is identical to the Hammer throw, Discus throw and Shot Put. Because of the demands of the landing area, USATF rules allow for the event as part of an indoor meet to be held outdoors. The world best for men is 25.41 m (outdoor) and 25.86 m (84'10") (indoor) and is held by American Lance Deal. For women, who throw a weight of 20 lb, the world best is 24.57 m (80'07½") (outdoor) set by Brittany Riley of Southern Illinois University on 27 January 2007 and 25.60 m (indoor), by Gwen Berry, on 4 March 2017.

The weight throw event has had an enduring history in American track and field. It was a national championship event for men outdoors from 1878 to 1965.[27] Despite the decline of such outdoor contests in the United States, the event has been a mainstay of the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships: the men's 35 lb event has been held from 1932 to present and a women's 20 lb weight throw event was introduced in 1991.[28][29] The weight throw is also present on the event programme of the NCAA Men's and NCAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The Superweight Throw uses implements similar in construction to the regular weight throw but with heavier implements. The event was part of two Olympic Games in 1904 and 1920.[30][31] Though no longer officially sanctioned by World Athletics, it still is contested as a novelty event at various competitions, including the USATF Master's Indoor Championship.[32]

Highland Games

Weight throw at the Austin Celtic Festival Highland Games

In the Highland Games, the weight throw consists of two separate events, the light weight and the heavy weight. In both cases, the implement consists of a steel or lead weight (usually spherical or cylindrical) attached by a short chain to a metal handle. The handle may be a d-ring, a triangle or a ring. The size of the weight depends on the class of the competition.

For advanced male athletes, the light weight is 28 lb, or two stone (12.7 kg). The heavy weight is 56 lb, or four stone (25.4 kg). For all female athletes, the weights are 14 and 28 lb (6.35 and 12.7 kg). For male master class or senior athletes, the weights are 28 and 42 lb (12.7 and 19.05 kg).

The weight is thrown one-handed from a rectangular (4.5 feet by 9 feet) area behind a toe board or trig. The athlete must stay behind the trig at all times during the throw. The techniques vary, but usually involve a turning or spinning motion to increase momentum before the release. Each athlete gets three attempts, with places determined by the best throw.

  • Weight Throw Record (28 lb): Gregor Edmunds, 95 ft 10 in Markinch, Scotland, 2011.

Weight throw for height

A man throwing a weight over a bar at the 2009 Highland Games

Weight over bar, or weight throw for height (Scottish Gaelic: cuideam thairis air a 'bhàr, tilgeil cuideam air son àirde), is contested at highland games in Scotland and elsewhere, and at track and field events in Ireland.

The weight is thrown one-handed over a bar set at increasing heights above the thrower. Similar to the high jump or pole vault, the thrower has three attempts for each successive height. Places are determined by maximum height reached with the fewest misses.

The size of the weight varies with the competition class. Advanced male athletes throw a 25 kg (56 lb. or four stone) weight, female athletes throw a 12 kg (28 lb.) weight and male master class or senior athletes throw a 19 kg (42 lb). weight. There are two techniques for this event. The classic technique swings the weight between the legs before pulling the weight up and directly overhead. The alternate technique (which is not allowed in some games) involves a spinning motion, with the athlete throwing from the side.

Ireland

Athletics Ireland recognises the weight throw for height and distance.[33] The weight is 56 lbs at senior level, and 35 lbs in underage level.[33] It is mainly a men's event, though women's weight throw for distance is contested at university level.[33] The height event proceeds in a manner similar to the high jump and pole vault, with throwers required to clear a bar progressively raised. The Irish records are:[34]

  • height: 4.94 m (Sean Breathnach, 2022)[35]
  • distance: 9.16 m (John Menton, 1998)

In Ireland, a 56 lb weight is used for both height and distance weight throw events.[34]

References

  1. ^ Andrew Greif (17 February 2024). "World 60m hurdles records for Holloway and Jones in Albuquerque". World Athletics. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Albuquerque -NM- (United States), 14-15.2.2010 -USATF Championships-". trackinsun.blogspot.com. 16 February 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  3. ^ "All Time World Rankings – Weight Throw". mastersathletics.net. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  4. ^ "Weight Throw Results". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 11 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Weight Throw Result". tfrrs.org. 22 January 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  6. ^ "NCAA Division I Championships 2001 Men's Results". flashresults.com. 10 March 2001. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  7. ^ "Weight Throw Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Weight Throw Result". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 24 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Weight Throw Result". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 14 January 2022. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
  10. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flashresults.com. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  11. ^ "Weight throw world bests put spotlight on field events on day two of USATF indoor championships". USATF. 17 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  12. ^ Andrew Greif (18 February 2024). "Lyles pips Coleman to claim US indoor 60m crown". World Athletics. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  13. ^ Jon Hendershott (5 March 2017). "Lyles clocks world indoor 300m best in Albuquerque". IAAF. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  14. ^ "Weight Throw Results". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 21 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  15. ^ a b c "Weight Throw Result" (PDF). Flash Results. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  16. ^ "Sade Olatoye sets new Nigerian Record, becomes fifth-best weight thrower in world history". 11 February 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  17. ^ "Weight Throw Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  18. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flashresults.com. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  19. ^ "Echikunwoke Throws Her Way to No. 2 All-Time in NCAA History". gobearcats.com. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  20. ^ "Weight Throw Results". timerhub.com. 24 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  21. ^ "Weight Throw Results". cfpitiming.com. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  22. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flashresults.com. 23 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  23. ^ "Weight Throw Results". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 19 January 2024. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Fantastiskt kast av av Ida Storm – slog det svenska rekordet med över metern". friidrottaren.com (in Swedish). 15 February 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2017.
  25. ^ "Gwen Berry Accepts Rule Violation Sanction | USADA". 13 June 2016.
  26. ^ "Appendix A - WMA Hurdles and Implement Specifications" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  27. ^ USA Outdoor Track & Field Champions. USATF. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  28. ^ USA Indoor Track & Field Champions – Men's 35-lb. Weight Throw Archived 4 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine. USATF. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  29. ^ USA Indoor Track & Field Champions – Women's 20-lb. Weight Throw. USATF. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  30. ^ "St. Louis 1904 56lb weight throw 254kg men Results - Olympic athletics".
  31. ^ "Antwerp 1920 56lb weight throw 254kg men Results - Olympic athletics".
  32. ^ "Schedule | USA Track & Field".
  33. ^ a b c "Competition Rule Book 2010 – 2012" (PDF). Athletics Ireland. 24 August 2011. pp. 12, 22, 33. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  34. ^ a b "Men's Senior Outdoor Records". Athletics Ireland AAI. Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  35. ^ "Roll of Honour - Irish Athletics Champions 1861 - 2023" (PDF). www.athleticsireland.ie.