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Hammer Throw
The Scottish Hammer throw is very different from the
Olympic variety. The Scots use a round lead ball, weighing either 16 or 22 pound, attached to a shaft of wood or rattan, about 50 inches in length. The athlete grips the shaft with both hands,
firmly plants his feet facing away from the field, and then twirls it mightily around his head before releasing it over his shoulder. Moving his feet before the release results in the athlete
fouling the throw. While some claim that the original hammer throw was the medieval mace, most believe that it began as a simple contest of strength between neighboring blacksmiths.