The first step we are going to take to know the meaning of the term javelin that concerns us now is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, it must be noted that it comes from the French word "javeline", which is the result of the sum of two components: the noun "javelot", which can be translated as "war spear", and the diminutive suffix "- ine.
We must also establish that French word, which is believed to derive, in turn, from Celtic. Exactly "gabalos", which was used to refer to a "spear".
A javelin is a weapon similar to the pike that, in ancient times, was used for hunting and in combat . Currently the javelin is used within the framework of an athletics test consisting of throwing it the greatest possible distance.
The origins of the javelin date back to prehistory . This type of spear was used by hunters, who threw it at their prey. Warriors also used it and threw it against the enemy side, sometimes tied to a rope so they could easily recover it.
Today the javelin is the key implement of a type of athletics . Javelin throwing consists, precisely, of throwing the javelin with force so that it goes as far as possible.
The athlete, in this framework, must run a track approximately 30 meters long to gain momentum; When he reaches the regulatory limit, he has to throw the javelin. Generally, each athlete can perform three throws , having one minute per attempt.
There are two main types of javelins: one for the men's category and another for the women's category. The javelin in the men's category weighs about 800 grams and measures between 260 and 270 centimeters , while the javelin thrown by women has a minimum weight of 600 grams and a length of between 220 and 230 cm.
Czech Jan Železný has held the men's world record in javelin throwing since 1996 , with a mark of 98 meters and 48 centimeters . Her compatriot Barbora Špotáková , meanwhile, has held the record in the female branch since 2008 : 72 meters and 28 centimeters .
However, in addition to those mentioned, there are other athletes specialized in javelin throwing who have also made history with their achievements. Among those we can highlight, in the men's category, the German Johannes Vetter, the Finnish Aki Parviainen or the Russian Sergei Makarov. In the women's category we came across athletes of the stature of the Russian Maria Abakumova, the Cuban Osleidys Menéndez and the Croatian Sara Kolak, among others.
In the same way, we cannot ignore the fact that javelina is also the name used to refer to the female wild boar. This is a medium-sized mammal that is considered to be a wild pig and has a highly developed sense of smell, which allows it to discover the truffles, mushrooms or acorns it feeds on.
The wild boar has a wide variety of subspecies and you should know that it is considered one of the most harmful invasive species that exists on the entire planet.