The Art of Shot Put: Breaking World Records

Summary

In this article, we explore the challenging sport of shot put and the physical demands required to break the world record. We discuss the current world and Olympic records and the two techniques used by athletes to throw the shot. We also examine the remarkable technique of Ryan Krauser, an elite shot putter, and the importance of staying healthy and having the ideal physiology for shot put.

The Basics of Shot Put
The Two Techniques: Glide and Spin
Ryan Krauser’s Remarkable Technique
Breaking the World Record
The Importance of Staying Healthy and Having the Ideal Physiology
Conclusion

The Basics of Shot Put

Shot put is a sport where athletes throw a 16-pound ball as far as possible without stepping outside a 7-foot diameter throwing circle. The rules of shot put are straightforward, and the throwing circle is designed to be an equalizer for athletes of different sizes. Shot putters need to be strong and coordinated to throw the shot far, and sports technologists study the perfect technique for throwing the shot.

The Two Techniques: Glide and Spin

The two techniques used by athletes to throw the shot are the glide and spin. The spin generates more power, but it is more difficult to execute, and most people can only shove the shot a few feet. The goal of both techniques is to transfer as much energy as possible from the lower body up through the body and finally to the fingertips at the point of release.

Ryan Krauser’s Remarkable Technique

Ryan Krauser, an elite shot putter, has a remarkable technique that allows him to throw the shot at close to the perfect angle almost every time. Krauser’s preferred technique is the spin, which is a rotational move that some athletes find more powerful than the glide. However, it is also more difficult to perform consistently. Krauser’s technique is effective because of his remarkable physicality, which includes his height, weight, speed, strength, flexibility, and coordination. He can squat more than 700 pounds and bench press 22, almost 50 times in a row. He can also fire off a 40-meter dash in under 4.8 seconds. Krauser’s positional awareness allows him to send the shot at close to the perfect angle, maximizing its distance.

Breaking the World Record

The current world record is held by Randy Barnes, who threw the shot 23.12 meters, but he was later suspended for failing a drug test. Ryan Prowse, a professional shot putter, holds the current Olympic record of 22.52 meters. The force required for a 24-meter throw would likely cause injury to an average person’s hand. However, small increases in release velocity can have a significant impact on the distance of the throw. If an athlete like Krauser can add just 0.2 meters per second to their release velocity, they could break the world record.

The Importance of Staying Healthy and Having the Ideal Physiology

Shot put requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and coordination, and athletes must stay healthy to perform at their best. The ideal physiology for shot put includes long levers and dynamic athleticism. While the potential for a 24-meter throw is there, it remains a difficult feat even for elite athletes like Krauser.

Conclusion

Shot put is a challenging sport that requires a combination of strength, coordination, and technique. The two techniques used by athletes are the glide and spin, with the spin being more powerful but more difficult to execute. Ryan Krauser’s remarkable technique allows him to throw the shot at close to the perfect angle almost every time, maximizing its distance. Breaking the world record requires staying healthy and having the ideal physiology, including long levers and dynamic athleticism. While it remains a difficult feat, small increases in release velocity can have a significant impact on the distance of the throw.