Track Athletics in Detail (extract)

THROWING THE HAMMER 75 3 * From instantaneousphotographs of \V. O. Hickok The detail of the throw proper is a tiling that must be carefully studied by all who wish to do well in the event. First, the athlete steps into the ring holding the hammer, the head resting on the ground outside the circle. He secures a firm grasp on the handle, leaning over so as to keep the iron head as far away from his body as pos­ sible. This attitude is shown in the first illustra­ tion on page 74. The second picture shows the hammer just as it is being lifted from the ground to be whirled around the head. It is plain to see that the arms are holding the instrument as far from the body as possible. As the heavy ball gains in velocity it stretches out so that the arms