DISCUS

The discus is a plate made of wood with a metal rim. Athletes must throw the discus. They must stand inside a circle that is 8 feet 2 1/2 inches to throw. The throwing style is a graceful whirling movement, with the athlete making about one and a half quick turns while moving across the circle and then releasing the discus. The discus weighs almost five pounds. The athlete who throws the farthest wins. Discus throwing is usually part of a combined event, the heptathlon for women and the decathlon for men, where athletes compete in a series of track and field events over two days.