What implement is thrown in Olympic hammer throw competition?

The Olympic hammer throw uses a metal ball attached to a wire and handle.

An athlete swings the implement around the body and then releases it from a throwing circle. Modern technique usually involves several turns, allowing the thrower to build angular speed before letting the hammer fly into the landing sector.

The men’s senior hammer weighs 7.26 kilograms and has a wire-and-handle assembly. The women’s senior hammer weighs 4 kilograms. Although the event is called the hammer throw, the implement is not shaped like a household hammer; its name comes from older throwing traditions involving heavy objects attached to handles or shafts.

The hammer throw is one of the four Olympic throwing events, alongside shot put, discus throw and javelin throw. Competitors must remain inside the circle until the implement lands, and the throw is measured from the circle to the nearest mark made by the hammer.