The weight of the hammer used in women’s hammer throw is 4 kg. The implement is a metal ball attached to a steel wire and handle, rather than a handheld tool resembling an ordinary hammer.
Men’s hammer throw uses a 7.26 kg implement, so the 4 kg women’s specification is not simply a rounded or scaled version of the men’s weight. The wire in both events may be no longer than 1.22 metres, and athletes generate speed by swinging the hammer and rotating inside a throwing circle before release.
Hammer throw has ancient and medieval roots, including traditions associated with Ireland and Scottish Highland Games. The modern Olympic men’s event dates to 1900, while women’s hammer throw entered the Olympic programme at Sydney 2000. A common mix-up is confusing the Olympic women’s implement with junior or masters specifications, which can use different weights.