What may a hammer thrower do before letting go?
I · Intermediate · The throw · 1 of 6A hammer thrower may rest the head of the hammer on the ground, inside or outside the circle, before starting. If the head touches the ground or the top of the rim during the swings or turns, it is not a failure. The athlete may stop and begin again. If the hammer breaks, the athlete is given a replacement trial.
How it works
- Before the swings: "An athlete, in their starting position prior to the preliminary swings or turns, is allowed to put the head of the hammer on the ground inside or outside the circle."
- During the throw: "It shall not be considered a failure if the head of the hammer touches the ground inside or outside the circle, or the top of the rim."
- Starting again: "The athlete may stop and begin the throw again, provided no other Rule has been breached."
- The athlete's feet: this freedom is for the hammer head only. The athlete's body may still not touch the top of the rim or the ground outside.
- A broken hammer: if the hammer breaks during a throw or while in the air, "it shall not count as a failure, provided the trial was otherwise made in accordance with this Rule".
- Losing balance: if the athlete loses balance because of the break and so breaks a rule, that is not a failure either.
- The replacement: in both cases the athlete is awarded a replacement trial.
- The clock: stopping and starting again has to fit inside the time allowed for the trial.
Tricky cases
The hammer head clips the ground on the second turn and the athlete carries on. Does the throw count?
Yes. The head touching the ground is not a failure.
The wire snaps as the athlete lets go and they stumble out of the front of the circle. Is it a failure?
No. A break is not a failure, and nor is a loss of balance caused by it. The athlete has a replacement trial.
Can a thrower stop after one swing and start the whole throw again?
Yes, provided no rule has been broken and the time has not run out.
How many turns may a thrower make?
As many as they choose. The rule sets no number.
Why the rule exists
A hammer at the end of a wire more than a metre long swings close to the ground, and a touch gains the thrower nothing. A wire that snaps at full speed is a failure of the equipment, not of the athlete, so the trial is given back.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 36.1 to 36.3 |
| Javelin | A javelin that breaks is treated the same way | TR 38.4 |
| Pole vault | A pole that breaks also earns a replacement trial | TR 28.5 |
| All throws | An athlete may interrupt a trial and start again inside the time | TR 32.15 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 32.15 and 36.1 to 36.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).