Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

HAMMER-THROWING 143 edge of the circle, the pose of the hammer-thrower is not unlike that of the shot-putter, for he is balancing on one foot, the outside of which is toward the edge of ~he circle ; the only difference is that whereas the shot-putter's right arm is out– stretched, that of the hammer– thrower sweeps on and across his shoulder. The position of the right foot .is shown in dia– gram 20; the left foot is not shown, as the left leg keeps it high in the air, having been swung around to the athlete's left rear to preserve his balance. Diagram 20. This balancing is an all-important matter, and should play no small part in the training of the man who wishes to rise to pre-eminence as a hammer– thrower. Dealing with hammer-throwing, we have perhaps one of the most striking and interesting illustrations of how the theory of dynamics enters into athletics. It is one of the most strenuous events which the athlete can take up, for to a great extent the element of" brute force" enters into the accomplishment; but it must not be thought for an instant that "brute force" alone will make the perfect thrower, for, unless science is there, to govern this strength, the result would be very poor. The weight of the man does not come into the ques– tion to prohibitive extent, excepting that the lighter he is the more difficult it will be for him to maintain his balance when the revolutions are becoming very rapid. Very often a light man will be found to be exceptionally strong, and he will then have this