April 13, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - By Astrid Diaz, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With the 2015 Penn State outdoor track and field campaign in full swing, here's a look at two new events that come with the new season.
The Javelin Throw
The javelin throw event originates from the times of the Roman Empire when javelins were used as offensive weapons and thrown at enemies. As a warrior in ancient times, your main goal was precision, not distance, and success was measured by how deeply and accurately the javelin reached the opposing target.
Sophomore Michael Shuey is one of Penn State's top javelin throwers and holds the school-record, gold-medal winning 249-5 throw.
In modern times, the purpose of the event has changed significantly from war-like to goal and distance oriented, but throwing an approximately eight-foot javelin still requires a high level of skill and strength.
"It's a combination of being a sprinter, a jumper, and a thrower. We lift as much as the shot putters and discus throwers and we run close to the same amount the jumpers do. The body type for a javelin thrower is so unique compared to all the other events," said Shuey. "The amount of technique that goes into it...most people don't understand."
With change of times comes change of mindset so, why be a javelin thrower in modern times?
"I'm the youngest of six so we've been playing games all my life and throwing things was always my knack in any sport that we played so to find an event that is just strictly throwing things was just kind of like my calling," said Shuey.
To read more, click here .