Okay,Okay
You guys are starting to wander into my teritory here.
Men's javelin; 800grams or 28oz (1lb.12oz) 8'4" long.
Javelin ratings are based on the distance that the spear will turn over and land point first.
Used to be an issue 20+ years ago. Now the spear will turn over at a very short distance (like an arrow)
Americans have had trouble learning the javelin for 2 reasons. One; they don't understand the nature of momentum transfer created by the runnup. Two; the 6 years or so that Americans usually play with the javelin (thru college) is insufficient for developing the technique required to really get good at it. Europeans who master the event are usually at it 10 to 15 years befor they are accomplished.
The newer javelins are rated more for the expertise of the thrower. Stiffer javs are for more accomplished athletes who are able to throw "thru the point", a more forgiving soft javelin will flex more and take some of the shock away from the elbow.
Javelin throwers and indeed all olympic throwing event people have trained on overload/underload principles. It is a well established training philosophy in track and field. It's is responsible for the "weighted balls" of current controversy here.(here we go again)
Americans didn't throw the spear over 300' until Mark Murro did in '70.
That was the American record until Bob Roggey threw over 300' several times in '82, topping out at 315'. About 2ft shy of the WR.
I think the current WR holder was given a chance with the Braves back in '96.
Didn't throw that hard as a pitcher but slung the ball out of the park afterwards.
Says something about specificty of training. The current American Record holder has reportedly thrown a baseball 98mph.
Rollerman