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Weight throw

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Weight throw (Highland games version) at 2002 Celtic Festival

Weight throw (or Weight for distance) is a traditional strength sport and throwing event derived from ancient Scottish Highland games. Unlike its other counterpart, the Weight over bar which involves a stationary pendulum like swing for height, the Weight throw involves a full body rotation and throwing of a metal ball attached to a handle via a chain, for the furthest distance. It has been used both in Highland games (Scottish Gaelic: caitheamh cuideam) as well as in track and field.

Highland games version permits the use of only one hand, and the athletes are required to rotate and throw under two disciplines: either 12.5 kg (28 lb) (light version/ light weight) or 25.5 kg (56 lb) (heavy version/ heavy weight), both for distance. For women, the weights differ, with 6.5 kg (14 lb) for light weight and 12.5 kg (28 lb) for heavy weight, while for masters and junior men categories, the weight commonly used is 19 kg (42 lb).

In the track and field version (which is most popular in the United States as an indoor equivalent to the hammer throw), the athletes are permitted to use both hands and the athletes are required to rotate and throw 16 kg (35 lb) for men and 9 kg (20 lb) for women for distance. However, it is not recognized by World Athletics, despite being included twice in 1904 and 1920 Olympic games.

Highland games version

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An athlete releasing the weight during the Weight throw event at Austin Celtic festival Highland games.

In the Highland Games, the weight throw consists of two separate events, the light weight and the heavy weight. In both cases, the implement consists of a steel or lead weight (usually spherical or cylindrical) attached by a short chain to a metal handle. The handle may be a d-ring, a triangle or a ring. The size of the weight depends on the class of the competition.

For open class male athletes, the light weight is 28 lb, or two stone (12.7 kg). The heavy weight is 56 lb, or four stone (25.4 kg). For male master class or senior athletes, the weights are 28 and 42 lb (13 and 19 kg). For all female athletes, the weights are 14 and 28 lb (6.4 and 12.7 kg) for the light and heavy versions, respectively. Athletics Ireland also recognizes 35 lb (15.9 kg) as the weight for men below 18 years.[1][2][3]

The weight is thrown from a rectangular (4.5 feet by 9 feet) area behind a toe board or trig. The athlete must stay behind the trig at all times during the throw. The techniques vary, but usually involve a turning or spinning motion to increase momentum before the release. Each athlete gets three attempts, with places determined by the best throw.

World records

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  • Light weight 12.5 kg (28 lb) for 29.76 metres (97 ft 8 in) by Spencer Tyler United States (2019 US Invitational Pleasanton)[4]
  • Heavy weight 25.5 kg (56 lb) for 15.62 metres (51 ft 3 in) by Spencer Tyler United States (2019 New Hampshire Highland Games)[4]
→ Having broken the two records a combined seven times (four times with the light weight and three times with the heavy weight), Tyler is widely regarded as the undisputed greatest of all time at this event. Some other all-time greats of the two disciplines who have held both records are Francis Brebner, Hamish Davidson and Bill Anderson.[5]

Progression of the world records

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Light weight 12.5 kg (28 lb)

[edit]
Distance Holder Year Location
26.56 metres (87 ft 2 in) Scotland Bill Anderson 1966 Crieff, Scotland
27.08 metres (88 ft 10 in) Scotland Hamish Davidson 1978 (To be confirmed)
27.74 metres (91 ft 0 in) England Geoff Capes 1983 Drumtochty, Scotland
28.65 metres (94 ft 0 in) England Geoff Capes 1987 Kilbirnie, Scotland
28.67 metres (94 ft 1 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1996 Anne Arundel, Maryland, USA
28.81 metres (94 ft 6 in) Australia Matt Sandford 1999 Estes Park, Colorado, USA
29.21 metres (95 ft 10 in) Scotland Gregor Edmunds 2011 Markinch, Scotland
29.29 metres (96 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2018 Topeka, Kansas, USA
29.42 metres (96 ft 6 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2018 (To be confirmed)
29.58 metres (97 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2019 Long Beach, California, USA
29.76 metres (97 ft 8 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2019 Pleasanton, California, USA

Heavy weight 25.5 kg (56 lb)

[edit]
Distance Holder Year Location
12.77 metres (41 ft 11 in) Scotland Bill Anderson 1969 Aboyne, Scotland
13.28 metres (43 ft 7 in) Scotland Hamish Davidson 1981 (To be confirmed)
13.30 metres (43 ft 8 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1990 Tomintoul, Scotland
13.34 metres (43 ft 9 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1991 Dufftown, Scotland
13.95 metres (45 ft 9 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1992 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.28 metres (46 ft 10 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1993 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.45 metres (47 ft 5 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1996 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.58 metres (47 ft 10 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1998 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.63 metres (48 ft 0 in) United States Karl Dodge 1998 Kiowa, Colorado, USA
14.65 metres (48 ft 1 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1999 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.88 metres (48 ft 10 in) United States Ryan Vierra 2002 Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
14.99 metres (49 ft 2 in) United States Ryan Vierra 2005 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
15.14 metres (49 ft 8 in) United States Eric Frasure 2005 Huntersville, North Carolina, USA
15.19 metres (49 ft 10 in) United States Eric Frasure 2008 Portland, Oregon, USA
15.27 metres (50 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2016 Portland, Oregon, USA
15.58 metres (51 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2018 Columbus, Ohio, USA
15.62 metres (51 ft 3 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2019 Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA

Track and field version

[edit]
John Flannigan throwing the 56-pound weight at the 1904 Olympics.

The Weight throw has been featured twice under the name of '56 pound weight throw' at the Olympic Games.

First was in 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis, and then in 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp. Étienne Desmarteau and Pat McDonald emerged champions respectively.

Furthest throws in history

[edit]

Key:

  • O = Outdoor performance
  • A = affected by altitude

Men

[edit]
Rank Result Athlete Nationality Date Place Ref
1 26.35 m (86 ft 5+1⁄4 in) A Daniel Haugh  United States 16 February 2024 Albuquerque [6]
2 25.86 m (84 ft 10 in) Lance Deal  United States 4 March 1995 Atlanta
3 25.68 m (84 ft 3 in) Libor Charfreitag  Slovakia 5 March 2005 Sterling
4 25.58 m (83 ft 11 in) Michael Lihrman  United States 28 February 2015 Geneva
5 25.31 m (83 ft 1⁄4 in) A Conor McCullough  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [7]
6 25.18 m (82 ft 7+1⁄4 in) A. G. Kruger  United States 20 January 2012 Findlay
7 25.17 m (82 ft 6+3⁄4 in) O Jüri Tamm  Estonia 11 July 1992 Mäntyharju [8]
8 25.12 m (82 ft 4+3⁄4 in) Kibwé Johnson  United States 24 February 2008 Boston
9 25.08 m (82 ft 3+1⁄4 in) Daniel Reynolds  United States 14 March 2025 Virginia Beach [9]
10 24.72 m (81 ft 1 in) Scott Russell  Canada 8 February 2002 Ames
11 24.60 m (80 ft 8+1⁄2 in) A Daniel Roberts  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [7]
12 24.49 m (80 ft 4 in) Trey Knight  United States 14 March 2025 Virginia Beach [10]
13 24.48 m (80 ft 3+3⁄4 in) Jake Freeman  United States 12 February 2009 Riverdale
Ryan Johnson  United States 14 March 2025 Virginia Beach [11]
15 24.46 m (80 ft 2+3⁄4 in) Thomas Mardal  Norway 11 March 2021 Fayetteville [12]
16 24.45 m (80 ft 2+1⁄2 in) A Israel Oloyede  United States 22 January 2022 Albuquerque [13]
17 24.43 m (80 ft 1+3⁄4 in) Andras Haklits  Croatia 9 March 2001 Fayetteville [14]
18 24.42 m (80 ft 1+1⁄4 in) A Alex Young  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [7]
19 24.41 m (80 ft 1 in) A Isaiah Rogers  United States 16 February 2024 Albuquerque [15]
20 24.40 m (80 ft 1⁄2 in) Garland Porter  United States 4 February 2011 Findlay
21 24.39 m (80 ft 0 in) Chukwuebuka Enekwechi  Nigeria 13 February 2015 West Lafayette
Jud Logan  United States 28 February 1992 Princeton
Kenneth Ikeji  Great Britain 24 February 2024 Cambridge [16]
24 24.38 m (79 ft 11+3⁄4 in) A O Cory Martin  United States 27 February 2010 Albuquerque
24.38 m (79 ft 11+3⁄4 in) Gleb Dudarev  Belarus 23 January 2020 Lawrence
Notes
[edit]

Below is a list of additional performances (excluding ancillary throws) equal or superior to 24.48 m:

  • Lance Deal also threw 25.48 m (83 ft 7 in) (1996), 25.41 m (83 ft 4+1⁄4 in) (1991), 24.90 m (81 ft 8+1⁄4 in) (1995), 24.84 m (81 ft 5+3⁄4 in) (1993) and 24.82 m (81 ft 5 in) (1993).
  • Daniel Haugh also threw 25.44 m (83 ft 5+1⁄2 in) A (2023), 25.04 m (82 ft 1+3⁄4 in) A (2020), 24.93 m (81 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2022), 24.70 m (81 ft 1⁄4 in) (2020).
  • Libor Charfreitag also threw 25.28 m (82 ft 11+1⁄4 in) (2005), 25.26 m (82 ft 10+1⁄4 in) (2008), 25.03 m (82 ft 1+1⁄4 in) (2003), 24.88 m (81 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2011), 24.86 m (81 ft 6+1⁄2 in) (2003) and 24.68 m (80 ft 11+1⁄2 in) (2005).
  • Kibwé Johnson also threw 25.08 m (82 ft 3+1⁄4 in) (2007).
  • Alfred Kruger also threw 24.99 m (81 ft 11+3⁄4 in) (2010), 24.78 m (81 ft 3+1⁄2 in) (2007) and 24.68 m (80 ft 11+1⁄2 in) (2012).
  • Mike Lihrman also threw 24.91 m (81 ft 8+1⁄2 in) (2015).
  • Conor McCullough also threw 24.48 m (80 ft 3+3⁄4 in) (2018).

Women

[edit]
Rank Result Athlete Nationality Date Place Ref
1 26.02 m (85 ft 4+1⁄4 in) A DeAnna Price  United States 17 February 2023 Albuquerque [17]
2 25.73 m (84 ft 4+3⁄4 in) A Erin Reese  United States 17 February 2024 Albuquerque [18]
3 25.60 m (83 ft 11+3⁄4 in) A Gwen Berry  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque [19]
25.60 m (83 ft 11+3⁄4 in) Janeah Stewart  United States 21 January 2023 Nashville [20]
5 25.56 m (83 ft 10+1⁄4 in) Brittany Riley  United States 10 March 2007 Fayetteville
6 25.55 m (83 ft 9+3⁄4 in) Shey Taiwo  United States 11 March 2022 Birmingham [21]
7 25.32 m (83 ft 3⁄4 in) Oyesade Olatoye  Nigeria 10 February 2023 Nashville [22]
8 25.19 m (82 ft 7+1⁄2 in) Rachel Tanczos  United States 3 February 2024 Notre Dame [23]
9 25.07 m (82 ft 3 in) A Brooke Andersen  United States 4 February 2023 State College
10 24.94 m (81 ft 9+3⁄4 in) Jasmine Mitchell  United States 11 March 2022 Birmingham [21]
11 24.80 m (81 ft 4+1⁄4 in) Jalani Davis  United States 7 March 2024 Boston [24]
12 24.78 m (81 ft 3+1⁄2 in) A Amber Campbell  United States 25 February 2012 Albuquerque
24.78 m (81 ft 3+1⁄2 in) Annette Echikunwoke  United States 16 February 2018 Columbus [25]
14 24.46 m (80 ft 2+3⁄4 in) Erin Gilreath  United States 25 February 2005 Boston
15 24.37 m (79 ft 11+1⁄4 in) Kaitlyn Long  United States 24 February 2018 Geneva [26]
16 24.24 m (79 ft 6+1⁄4 in) Jeneva Stevens  United States 19 January 2018 Nashville [27]
17 24.22 m (79 ft 5+1⁄2 in) A Felisha Johnson  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque
24.22 m (79 ft 5+1⁄2 in) Annie Nabwe  United States 28 February 2025 Indianapolis [28]
19 24.21 m (79 ft 5 in) Candice Scott  Trinidad and Tobago 27 February 2005 Fayetteville
20 24.06 m (78 ft 11 in) Stamatía Skarvélis  Greece 23 February 2019 Fayetteville [29]
Camryn Rogers  Canada 11 March 2022 Birmingham [21]
22 24.05 m (78 ft 10+3⁄4 in) Janee' Kasanavoid  United States 21 January 2022 Manhattan
23 24.04 m (78 ft 10+1⁄4 in) Jennifer Dahlgren  Argentina 10 March 2006 Fayetteville
24.04 m (78 ft 10+1⁄4 in) A Jessica Ramsey  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque
25 23.83 m (78 ft 2 in) Elisia Lancaster  United States 19 January 2024 Bloomington [30]
Notes
[edit]

Below is a list of additional (indoor) performances (excluding ancillary throws) equal or superior to 24.20 m:

  • Gwen Berry also threw 25.27 m (82 ft 10+3⁄4 in) (2018), 24.85 m (81 ft 6+1⁄4 in) (2018), 24.77 m (81 ft 3 in) (2017), 24.70 m (81 ft 1⁄4 in) (2013), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2016) and 24.39 m (80 ft 0 in) (2014).
  • Brittany Riley also threw 25.34 m (83 ft 1+1⁄2 in) (2008), 25.12 m (82 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2012), 24.57 m (80 ft 7+1⁄4 in) (2007) and 24.35 m (79 ft 10+1⁄2 in) (2012).
  • Shey Taiwo also threw 25.19 m (82 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2022).
  • Janeah Stewart also threw 25.08 m (82 ft 3+1⁄4 in) (2019), 25.05 m (82 ft 2 in) (2020), 24.82 m (81 ft 5 in) (2019), 24.80 m (81 ft 4+1⁄4 in) (2019), 24.62 m (80 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2020), 24.58 m (80 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2020), 24.29 m (79 ft 8+1⁄4 in) (2024) and 24.20 m (79 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2023).
  • Brooke Andersen also threw 24.97 m (81 ft 11 in) (2023), 24.53 m (80 ft 5+1⁄2 in) (2024), 24.35 m (79 ft 10+1⁄2 in) (2024).
  • Erin Reese also threw 24.93 m (81 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2021), 24.34 m (79 ft 10+1⁄4 in) (2023).
  • DeAnna Price also threw 24.71 m (81 ft 3⁄4 in) (2020), 24.57 m (80 ft 7+1⁄4 in) (2019), 24.52 m (80 ft 5+1⁄4 in) (2019), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2018) and 24.30 m (79 ft 8+1⁄2 in) A (2017).
  • Amber Campbell also threw 24.70 m (81 ft 1⁄4 in) (2010), 24.54 m (80 ft 6 in) (2007), 24.43 m (80 ft 1+3⁄4 in) (2009), 24.33 m (79 ft 9+3⁄4 in) (2016) and 24.32 m (79 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2010).
  • Jalani Davis also threw 24.63 m (80 ft 9+1⁄2 in) (2023), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+3⁄4 in) A (2023).
  • Rachel Tanczos also threw 24.58 m (80 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2023), 24.32 m (79 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2024).
  • Annette Echikunwoke also threw 24.56 m (80 ft 6+3⁄4 in) (2023).
  • Oyesade Olatoye also threw 24.46 m (80 ft 2+3⁄4 in) (2019).

Note that Gwen Berry threw 24.35 m in 2016 but the performance was annulled due to violation of anti-doping procedures[31]

Other international competitions

[edit]

The event, held outdoors and indoors, is a World Championship and world record event in World Masters Athletics. Outdoors, it is also the final event of the Throws pentathlon. Masters athletics has different weight specifications for different age groups.[32]

As an indoor event

[edit]

The weight throw is an indoor track and field event, predominately in the US. The technique implemented to throw the weight is similar to that of the hammer throw in outdoor competition. In international competition, the men's weight is a 35 lb ball (25 for high school) with a D-ring or triangle handle attached directly to the weight. The technique in wide use is to start in a throwing circle with the thrower's back to the landing area. The weight is then swung overhead to gain momentum before transitioning into the spinning position. The thrower then turns heel to toe up to four times across the ring and toward the front of the circle. At the front of the circle, the thrower releases the weight over his/her shoulder and into the landing area. The landing area is a sector of 34.92° which is identical to the Hammer throw, Discus throw and Shot Put. Because of the demands of the landing area, USATF rules allow for the event as part of an indoor meet to be held outdoors. The world best for men is 25.41 m (outdoor) and 25.86 m (84 ft 10 in) (indoor) and is held by American Lance Deal. For women, who throw a weight of 20 lb, the world best is 24.57 m (80 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (outdoor) set by Brittany Riley of Southern Illinois University on 27 January 2007 and 25.60 m (indoor), by Gwen Berry, on 4 March 2017.

The weight throw event has had an enduring history in American track and field. It was a national championship event for men outdoors from 1878 to 1965.[33] Despite the decline of such outdoor contests in the United States, the event has been a mainstay of the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships: the men's 35 lb event has been held from 1932 to present and a women's 20 lb weight throw event was introduced in 1991.[34][35] The weight throw is also present on the event programme of the NCAA Men's and NCAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The Superweight Throw uses implements similar in construction to the regular weight throw but with heavier implements. The event was part of two Olympic Games in 1904 and 1920.[36][37] Though no longer officially sanctioned by World Athletics, it still is contested as a novelty event at various competitions, including the USATF Master's Indoor Championship.[38]

References

[edit]
Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article "Weight-throwing".
  1. ^ "Competition Rule Book 2010 – 2012" (PDF). Athletics Ireland. 24 August 2011. pp. 12, 22, 33. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  2. ^ "Roll of Honour - Irish Athletics Champions 1861 - 2023" (PDF). www.athleticsireland.ie.
  3. ^ "Men's Senior Outdoor Records". Athletics Ireland AAI. Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  4. ^ a b "STRENGTH RECORD, Section 06 - Throwing". www.strengthrecord.com. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
  5. ^ Francis Brebner and the team (31 January 2001). "Highland Games Record Progressions". www.highlandgames.net. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
  6. ^ Andrew Greif (17 February 2024). "World 60m hurdles records for Holloway and Jones in Albuquerque". World Athletics. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "Albuquerque -NM- (United States), 14-15.2.2010 -USATF Championships-". trackinsun.blogspot.com. 16 February 2020. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  8. ^ "All Time World Rankings – Weight Throw". mastersathletics.net. 13 January 2017. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
  9. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flasresults.ncaa.com. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  10. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flasresults.ncaa.com. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  11. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flasresults.ncaa.com. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
  12. ^ "Weight Throw Results". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 11 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Weight Throw Result". tfrrs.org. 22 January 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  14. ^ "NCAA Division I Championships 2001 Men's Results". flashresults.com. 10 March 2001. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  15. ^ "Weight Throw Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  16. ^ "Weight Throw Result". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 24 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
  17. ^ "Weight throw world bests put spotlight on field events on day two of USATF indoor championships". USATF. 17 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
  18. ^ Andrew Greif (18 February 2024). "Lyles pips Coleman to claim US indoor 60m crown". World Athletics. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  19. ^ Jon Hendershott (5 March 2017). "Lyles clocks world indoor 300m best in Albuquerque". IAAF. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  20. ^ "Weight Throw Results". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 21 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  21. ^ a b c "Weight Throw Result" (PDF). Flash Results. 12 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  22. ^ "Sade Olatoye sets new Nigerian Record, becomes fifth-best weight thrower in world history". 11 February 2023. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  23. ^ "Weight Throw Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  24. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flashresults.com. 7 March 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  25. ^ "Echikunwoke Throws Her Way to No. 2 All-Time in NCAA History". gobearcats.com. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  26. ^ "Weight Throw Results". timerhub.com. 24 February 2018. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  27. ^ "Weight Throw Results". cfpitiming.com. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  28. ^ "Weight Throw Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  29. ^ "Weight Throw Results" (PDF). flashresults.com. 23 February 2019. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  30. ^ "Weight Throw Results". Track & Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS). 19 January 2024. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  31. ^ "Gwen Berry Accepts Rule Violation Sanction | USADA". 13 June 2016.
  32. ^ "Appendix A - WMA Hurdles and Implement Specifications" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  33. ^ USA Outdoor Track & Field Champions. USATF. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  34. ^ USA Indoor Track & Field Champions – Men's 35-lb. Weight Throw Archived 4 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine. USATF. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  35. ^ USA Indoor Track & Field Champions – Women's 20-lb. Weight Throw. USATF. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  36. ^ "St. Louis 1904 56lb weight throw 254kg men Results - Olympic athletics".
  37. ^ "Antwerp 1920 56lb weight throw 254kg men Results - Olympic athletics".
  38. ^ "Schedule | USA Track & Field".
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