Training for the Javelin
The javelin is over 400,000 years old. This long, pointed
stick was first used as a weapon before it became an
integral event in the Olympic Games. Though even as
a sport, it can still cause damage today.
Javelin throwers can become injured because they
often repeat the same action many times during
training or competitions. There is especially a risk of
elbow injury if athletes bend their arms the wrong
way when they throw the javelin. As with all sports, it’s
important to warm up properly before practicing the
javelin.
For people considering taking up this sport, here are
some suggestions for preventing injury:
1. Practice with a professional coach. It’s essential to develop a good technique from the
beginning.
2. Develop healthy eating habits and a good
diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, and protein
(chicken or fish). Don’t skip breakfast on the
day of the competition.
3. When competing ___________sports events, plan
the day properly. Competitions can begin ____________the morning, so start your warm up when you
get up. Do exercises for your arms, legs, back,
and neck before you put your gym
clothes and go the stadium.
4. It’s important for athletes to keep their body
temperatures up, so after warming up, it’s best
to wear a tracksuit while waiting for the event
to begin. Sometimes the different parts of the
competitions take place at different times. In
between, keep your throwing arm warm. For
example, wrap a towel around it while you’re
waiting.
5. After the competition, many athletes want
to relax and hang out with their friends, but
don’t finish the competition without cooling
down first. Put ice on the throwing arm for
about a quarter of an hour. This prevents injuries after the event.
6. Finally, don’t practice too much. Only Olympic
athletes need to practice every day. Sports are
for fun. Just enjoy the event.