Athletic Training

CHAPTER XV THE HAMMER THROW WE are indebted to the Irish and the Scotch for this event. It. was developed there and then transported to this country, where it has been brought to its highest state of perfection. Its popularity in the United States has been far greater than in England. Making it a standard event at the Olympic games helped to popularize it everywhere. The hammer used in competition varies in weight like the shot. It may be 8 pounds, 12 pounds, or 16 pounds, according to the age and strength of the athlete. I should not advise throwing the hammer, even if the weight be only 8 pounds, for boys under :fif– teen years of age, and even boys under eigh– teen years of age should practise it sparingly and never attempt to use the hammer of more than 12 pounds in weight. A very strong 125