Shot Put has existed as a sporting activity in one form or another for hundreds of years.
In ancient times, stones were used.
But it wasn’t until the middle ages that cannon balls or shots were used. Since then, they have been made from a wide range of metals.
So how heavy is a shot put ball?
These balls weigh between 2.2 pounds (0.99 kg) and just over 16 pounds (7.26 kg)
Men’s shot put balls weigh 16.01 pounds (7.26 kg) for competitions, while women’s shot put balls weigh 8.8 pounds (4 kg).
Shot puts are made from a wide range of materials. Their weight depends on the type of competition and age group of the competitors.
The most common materials used include brass, cast iron, steel, iron, stainless steel or a synthetic substance, such as polyvinyl.
The men’s shot put competition has been featured in all of the Olympic Games since 1896. Women have competed in this Olympic sport since 1948.
Instead of being thrown, a shot put is ‘put’ or launched in a specific way from a shot-put ring that is usually 7 feet in diameter.
This technique involves pushing the shot put, after being held on the neck.
Two main techniques are used, which include the Glide and the Spin.
What Is The Shot Put World Record?
The men’s world record is currently held by Randy Barnes. The American has held this record since 1990 when he broke the record with a throw of 23.12 meters (75.85 ft).
Russia’s Natalya Lisovskaya holds the women’s shot put world record, with a throw of 22.63 meters (74.24 ft).
~ Fun Fact ~
The technique used to launch a shot put is crucial. Early techniques limited the distance athletes could throw this object. In the space of around 70 years, the distance athletes could throw these balls doubled.In the 1870s, 31 feet was the world record held by J.M. Mann from the United States. But by the time the U.S. athlete Parry O’Brien introduced his new technique in the 1950s, he was able to reach distances of over 62 ½ feet!
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_put
https://www.everythingtrackandfield.com/throwing-implement-weight-requirements