Shot put is a classic field event in track and field athletics, where athletes throw a heavy spherical object, called a shot, as far as possible. The weight of the shot put varies depending on the athlete’s gender and age group, as well as the level of competition. Here’s a breakdown of the standard weights for shot puts:
Men’s Shot Put Weights
- Senior Men (Open Category): The standard weight for senior men’s shot put is 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds).
- Junior Men (Under 20): For junior men, the weight is typically 6 kilograms (13.2 pounds).
- Youth Boys (Under 18): The youth category usually uses a 5-kilogram (11 pounds) shot.
Women’s Shot Put Weights
- Senior Women (Open Category): The standard weight for senior women’s shot put is 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds).
- Junior Women (Under 20): Junior women also use a 4-kilogram (8.8 pounds) shot, similar to the senior category.
- Youth Girls (Under 18): The youth category uses a slightly lighter 3-kilogram (6.6 pounds) shot.
Additional Categories and Variations
In addition to the standard categories, some competitions may have different weight specifications for younger age groups or for master’s events (older age groups). For example, master’s events may have progressively lighter shots as the age categories increase. Additionally, some training shots may come in different weights to help athletes practice with varying levels of difficulty.
Conclusion
The weight of the shot put is a crucial factor in the sport, affecting the technique and performance of the athletes. Whether competing at a high school, collegiate, or professional level, understanding the appropriate weight for your category is essential for both training and competition. Always check the specific regulations of your competition to ensure you’re using the correct shot put weight.
