Athletics / Guide 20
Javelin
World Athletics · 2026In short
Grip and throwing action · Landing and the foul line
Grip and throwing action
Hold the javelin by its grip with one hand and throw it over the shoulder or upper part of the throwing arm. Slinging and unorthodox throwing styles are prohibited. During the approach and throw, the athlete must not turn completely around so that their back faces the throwing arc.
Landing and the foul line
The metal head must strike the ground before any other part of the javelin; it need not stick into the ground. A flat or tail-first landing is invalid. The head must land inside the sector. Crossing the runway boundaries or throwing arc during the attempt, or leaving before the javelin lands, can make the trial a failure.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Independent explanations of the supplied World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules, including amendments through 1 July 2026. Event-specific regulations may add conditions. References use PDF viewer page numbers; guide numbers are editorial.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗