Athletics (British Sports Library)

CHAPTER XII DISCUS THROWING THE first attribute of a good discus thrower is a keen sense of rhythm. It is, in fact, a point worthy of note that most discus and hammer throwers are extremely good dancers, just as many javelin throwers are very efficient tennis players. Discus Throwing is another event which was introduced to us by the Scandinavian athletes at the London Olympiad of 1908. Throwing takes place from a circle 8 feet 2! inches in diameter, a~d all throws to count must fall within a 90-degree sector marked upon the ground. The thrower, after having entered the circle, must not, with any part of the body, touch the ground outside the circle until the discus strikes the ground. Nor must he step upon the circle. Each competitor has three throws, and the three best competitors are allowed three more throws. The full-sized discus is 8~ inches in diameter and weighs 4lb. 6 · 4 oz. ; it is 1£ inches thick through the centre, tapering down to ! inch at a ! inch from the outer edge ; both surfaces must be smooth and 155