Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

CHAPTER XV HAMMER-THROWING STRAIGHT away, without hesitation or consideration, we may set out the build of the ideal hammer– thrower. He must be big and upstanding, deep of chest, bull-necked, with sturdy, massive calves, thighs, and buttocks ; he must also have exceptionally strong muscles on the back, ·shoulders, and abdomen, and must possess well-formed feet to give him springi– ness for the final thrust from the right leg as the hammer is hurled. We know that there are phenomenons-A. E. Flax– man, for instance-who by sheer skill and determined development of the necessary muscles attain to distinc– tion in this sport (see figs. 43, 44, and Frontispiece); but really it is not a game for an eleven-stone man. Nor have we known another man who devoted such hours to study and practice. This · hard work was necessary in order to raise him to the marvellous pitch of perfection to which he attained. As an exponent of style and method, Flaxman was unsurpassed ; it was only his small weight that kept him out of the front ranks. Given the weight of a Flanagan or Nicolson, he would not have left the existing World's Record long unbroken. · Later on calculations will be given to show the 132