Javelins: What is the weight of the javelin?

Javelin Weights by Level

How much does an Olympic javelin weigh?

The weight of the javelin in the Olympics is 800 grams for men and 600 grams for women in the United States. 

For youth competitions, other countries besides the United States throw 500g for girls under 17 and 700g for boys under 17.

USATF and AAU throw turbo javelins and AeroJavs for different age groups before throwing the regulation weight javelin.

Olympic / International (World Athletics)

• Men: 800g javelin (minimum length 2.6m).

• Women: 600g javelin (minimum length 2.2m).

These are the same weights as high school and college, but must be WA-certified and built to exact specifications.

College (NCAA)

• Men: 800g javelin (same as high school).

• Women: 600g javelin (same as high school).
  

Collegiate athletes often move from beginner/intermediate implements to higher-flex, stiffer competition javelins.

High School

• Men:

  • U.S. high school boys throw a 800g javelin.

• Women:

  • U.S. high school girls throw a 600g javelin.

Standardized by NFHS rules.

What Javelins Do Top Athletes Use?

Elite throwers almost always use carbon fiber or carbon-reinforced javelins with high flex ratings because they:

• Maintain aerodynamic stability at extreme speeds.

• Transfer more energy through the point for maximum distance.

• Handle the high forces elite throwers produce.

Common Elite Models

• Nordic Valhalla Series (carbon, multiple flex options, used by Olympic medalists).

• Nemeth Classic / Standard Carbon models (Hungarian company with long Olympic history).

Typical Patterns

• Top men (80m–90m throwers): Carbon 800g with flex ratings under 7 and distance ratings between 80–95m.

• Top women (55m–70m throwers): Stiff 600g with flex ratings under 7 and distance ratings between 60–85m.

Summary:

• Weights don’t change across levels in the U.S. (HS, NCAA, Olympics): 800g men, 600g women.

• The difference is quality and stiffness; beginners often use alloy/aluminum javelins, while elite javelin throwers use stiff models from Nordic and Nemeth.