Paris Olympics 2024: What is the History of Javelin Throw, and Who Was the First to Compete?

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by clinching a silver medal in the javelin throw event. With this achievement, Chopra becomes the first athlete to win back-to-back Olympic medals in javelin throw. Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem took home the gold medal in the same event.

The javelin throw, a sport with a rich history, was first included in the ancient Olympic Games in Greece in 708 BC. Initially, it was part of the pentathlon, alongside running, discus throw, long jump, and wrestling. Remarkably, the javelins used in these early competitions were made from olive wood.

The ancient Olympic Games, held in Olympia, faced numerous challenges due to battles and natural disasters over the centuries. By 394 AD, Roman Emperor Theodosius I declared the pagan ceremonies and activities illegal, leading to the cessation of the ancient games, including the javelin throw.

Centuries later, in the late 1700s, Scandinavian countries, particularly Finland and Sweden, revived the sport. They competed in two separate events: one where the javelin was thrown at a target and another where it was thrown for distance. Over time, the distance event gained more popularity. The first recorded winner of this event was Eric Lemming.

The javelin throw made its Olympic debut at the 1908 London Games, which was the third edition of the modern Olympics. Swedish athlete Eric Lemming continued his dominance from earlier competitions by winning gold in both the standard and freestyle javelin throw events. Lemming set a new world and Olympic record with a throw of 54.482 meters in the standard event.

In India, Neeraj Chopra has brought national pride to the javelin throw event, marking the first time an Indian athlete has achieved such a significant honor in the sport.