History of Javelin throw at the Olympics in Timeline
The javelin throw is a track and field event that has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1908 for men and 1932 for women. It is one of four throwing events, with the men's event being the last to be added after the shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw. The women's javelin throw was introduced after the women's discus throw, which debuted in 1928.
1906: Freestyle Javelin Continued After Intercalated Games
Despite the introduction of the standard javelin throw, the freestyle variant was maintained at the 1908 London Olympics following its inclusion in the 1906 Intercalated Games.
1906: Swedish Dominance in Freestyle Javelin
The 1906 Intercalated Games saw Swedish athletes dominating the men's freestyle javelin event, claiming the top four positions.
1906: 1906 Intercalated Games and Olympic Recognition
The 1906 Intercalated Games, held in Athens, were initially intended as part of the Olympics, with plans for games in Greece every two years. However, the IOC later decided against recognizing them as official Olympic Games.
1906: Freestyle Javelin Throw at Intercalated Games
The freestyle javelin throw made its debut at the 1906 Intercalated Games, an event initially considered part of the Olympic Games series.
1908: Eric Lemming's Second Freestyle Javelin Title
At the 1908 London Olympics, Eric Lemming clinched his second consecutive freestyle javelin title, solidifying his dominance in the discipline before its discontinuation.
1908: Eric Lemming's Freestyle and Standard Javelin Victory
Eric Lemming secured his second freestyle javelin title at the 1908 Olympics, alongside winning the standard style event, showcasing his versatility and skill.
1908: Freestyle and Standard Javelin Throw at London Olympics
The 1908 London Olympics featured both the freestyle and standard style javelin throw, marking the only occasion where both variations were contested.
1908: Men's Javelin Throw Debut
The men's javelin throw was first introduced at the 1908 Summer Olympics, marking the inclusion of the last of the current throwing events.
1912: Two-Handed Javelin Throw at Stockholm Olympics
A unique two-handed variant of the javelin throw was introduced at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where athletes' scores were a composite of their best throws with each hand.
1912: Eric Lemming's Freestyle and Standard Javelin Victory (Contextual)
Eric Lemming's victories in both javelin styles occurred four years prior to his performance in the 1912 two-handed event.
1912: Finnish Sweep in Two-Handed Javelin Throw
Finnish athletes demonstrated their prowess in the 1912 two-handed javelin throw, securing all three podium positions in the event.
1912: Two-Handed Javelin Throw Format
The 1912 two-handed javelin throw competition featured a unique format where athletes had three throws with each hand, with the best attempts from each hand added for their final score.
1928: Women's Discus Throw Debut (Contextual)
In 1928, eight years prior to the inclusion of the women's javelin throw, the women's discus throw made its debut at the Olympics.
1932: Women's Javelin Throw Debut
The 1932 Olympics witnessed the introduction of the women's javelin throw, making it the second women's throwing event in the Games' history.