Success in Athletics and how to obtain it

DISCUS-THROWING 159 At any rate, the style speaks for itself, for by means of this method Taipale attained the wonderful distance of 160 ft. 4·7 in. With regard to the actual pull on the arm at the moment of releasing the discus, it is probably rather more than one might imagine for-a thing which really does not weigh very much in itself. It is not an easy matter to compute, as the actual force exerted depends on so many factors-viz. the length of the man's arm, the speed at which he turns, etc.-not taking into account the. correct handling of the discus to give it the necessary twist; this ·speed is the most important point of all, for the more it is increased the greater will be the throw. From the average deductions of many throws it may be roughly stated that a force of approximately 160 pounds is exerted on the arms. But one of the greatest strains an athlete undergoes in throwing is the sudden relaxation of the muscles at the moment of parting with the discus, especially on the abdominal muscles. The whole throw may pe summarised as follows: The thrower takes up his position in the circle with the feet, centre of circle, and centre line in one and the same straight line. He makes the preliminary movement to generate momentum in one of the two ways described. He bends the knees, leans forward, and pivots on the toes of the left foot. As the right foot comes to ground, he gathers his forces, and gets a good downward thrust as the right leg is straightened. Coincident with the straightening out of the leg, the right arm is swept across and the right shoulder comes forward. The thumb is pressed down, and the spin and direction are given to the discus by the first finger as the missile leaves the hand. The