The Hammer Thrower is an athlete who competes in the hammer throw event, a track and field discipline. In this event, the athlete throws a heavy weight, called the hammer, attached to a long wire and handle. The goal is to throw the hammer as far as possible, using a spinning technique to generate momentum. The hammer itself weighs 7.26 kilograms (16 pounds) for men and 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) for women. Competitors perform their throws within a circular area, and the distance is measured from the center of the circle to where the hammer lands.