Most people think of shot put, chain, discus and shot put athletes as big and overweight. However, interviews with former Olympians and coaches indicate that they favor athletes who are tall and have long limbs.

Contrary to popular belief, female discus athletes do not have to be tall and muscular. For example, Tatyana Lysenta and Aksana Miankova, ranked third and fourth globally, are about 180 centimeters tall and weigh no more than 180 pounds. Gafia Hanafeeva, the seventh-ranked player in the history of the Gulf region, is 173 centimeters tall and weighs 150 pounds. Russia’s Yelena (Prima) Rigat is 168.5 centimeters tall and weighs 63 pounds, and still holds a top 25 throw. While height may give an advantage, the top female throwers are athletic and have nothing to do with size.

Kylie Spurgeon typifies this. She was a two-time (2005-2007) Oklahoma state discus champion and played for Southern Methodist University until a back injury ended her career. Spurgeon broke the stereotype of the tall, overweight female athlete.

Women use lighter equipment than men, so there is more emphasis on athleticism, speed and skill rather than pure strength. At the Olympic level, while strength is important, being overweight can affect performance. At lower levels of competition, people of all sizes can be successful in the throwing events.

Throwers aren’t just big guys who can’t run; in fact, they’re quite the opposite. ~Aubrey Baxter

Conversations with female coaches, trainers, and the father of a high school thrower highlight the need to challenge misconceptions about female throwers. They offer insights into improving the sport’s appeal and encouraging more girls to participate.

Aubrey Baxter of Redfield, South Dakota, was a four-sport standout athlete in high school. After playing volleyball and track for a year in college, she focused on track and field and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Black Hills State University in 2009. Baxter is a 27-time All-American and 15-time national champion with eight NAIA titles and seven USATF club national titles. She threw 169.5 feet despite considering the discus to be her weakest event.

Baxter competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, finishing seventh in the discus with a throw of 219’10” (67.01 meters). She is an applied technologist, personal trainer, independent beauty consultant and life coach. Married with one son, Baxter is able to balance her professional and private life well.

Bill Payton: What should high school discus throwers avoid in training?
Aubrey Baxter: Instead of focusing on what not to do, focus on what to do. Discus throwers aren’t just big guys who can’t run, they’re athletes too. Success requires skill, strength, speed and explosiveness.

BP: What should throwers focus on to improve?
AB: Attending throwing camps was very important to me. The camp in Custer, South Dakota opened my eyes to the possibilities of the sport of throwing. Interacting with other throwing athletes and coaches and becoming a student of the sport was crucial. If you would like more insight into improving your athletic performance, you may be interested in Diversity in 5-3-1: The First Set of Final Concepts.

Zera: Supporting Athletes and Embracing Passion

Zera believes in the power of development, which comes not only from hard work, but also from the right kind of encouragement and support. There are many ways to help others grow and reach their potential, especially when guided by passion and resilience.

Breaking stereotypes and building courage

Many young girls are challenged to try sports that seem unconventional for their gender, and Zera encourages them to redefine those boundaries. One of the keys to empowering girls is showing them the value of their unique traits. As a young athlete, I used to struggle with my body image – broad shoulders made me feel unsure of myself. However, if someone pointed out that it was those shoulders that made my dream of becoming a professional athlete a reality, it would have changed my life.

Now, I focus on providing support to others. Whether it’s through personal training, Nebraska Elite Coaching, or self-esteem programs, I help young girls discover what their passions are. It’s not about choosing between throwing or track and field, it’s about finding what excites them and shifting their focus to their positive selves.

The Role of Support in Non-Traditional Choices

Parental support plays a crucial role in helping children explore nontraditional sports. Seven-year-old Salencia Algarin competed in the American Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics in powerlifting. Her father’s involvement in the powerlifting community was crucial to her development. When families actively support these pursuits, girls are more likely to succeed in sports such as discus and powerlifting.

The Glamor and Challenges of Discus

Discus is a glamorous sport that requires a perfect blend of strength, explosiveness, patience, and technical proficiency. For young girls, watching elite athletes perform can inspire them to challenge themselves. As Coach Bob McKay says, “Welcome to frustration.” Indeed, the sport of discus requires athletes to run fast and stay calm, controlling the discus while letting it guide them. The sport is incredibly complex, but the rewards are amazing.

The amazing thing about throwing

What surprises many people is the artistry involved in throwing. Breaking down throwing into the trajectory and the feeling of perfect, effortless release reveals its elegance. It’s not just a sport, it’s a form of expression.

The Growing Popularity of Throwing Programs

In order to increase the popularity of throwing sports, exposure is key. Throwing athletes, like track and field athletes in general, deserve more media attention. Sharing their stories engages viewers and showcases the passion and determination of these athletes. Unfortunately, throwing athletes are often obscure, but they have legendary stories worth telling.

One way to increase visibility is to move the throwing events inside the track and field. While there are safety concerns with artificial turf, the real game changer is media coverage. Highlighting these exceptional athletes can draw in viewers and expand their reach.

A Unique Community

Throwers are a unique and vibrant community. They are passionate, somewhat eccentric, but always fun. The camaraderie and dedication in this community is contagious and creates lifelong memories and friendships.

With a focus on raising awareness, building support and celebrating the beauty of throwing, Zera aims to inspire and develop the next generation of athletes to excel and follow their passions.

Encouraging the growth of throwing programs

Zera: Many athletes are abandoning throwing events for more popular sports such as soccer. What are your thoughts on this and how can we address this issue?

AB: Unfortunately, this is a common reality. While it is frustrating for athletes to move on to other sports, it also creates an opportunity to develop a passionate community of throwers. The athletes who remain truly love the sport of throwing, which creates an incredible atmosphere for the sport. However, it is important for USATF, the media, and all involved in the sport to amplify the uniqueness and appeal of the throwing events. Throwing objects as far as possible? That’s pretty awesome in and of itself! Raising awareness and appreciation for these events is key.

Zera: Are grassroots programs paying enough attention to the throwing events?

AB: There is a delicate balance to be struck when introducing throwing events to young athletes. Certain sports, such as chainstroke, are better suited for the later stages of a throwing athlete’s career. For example, I didn’t discover streaking until my freshman year of college – I didn’t even know it existed until then. Grassroots camps and events can make a huge impact by exposing young athletes to throwing programs and encouraging them to stick with them.

Megan Schuessler-Young’s Journey into Throwing

Zera: Tell us about your background in the sport of throwing. How did you get started in the sport and what personal accomplishments have you achieved?

Megan Schuessler-Young: I started throwing in seventh grade during track season. I was a strong kid and my coach steered me towards the track program and I quickly took on the challenge of throwing. Growing up in the small town of Llano, Texas, I was involved in a variety of sports and activities. My mom taught me tennis, my dad taught me softball and baseball, and I dabbled in swimming, basketball, gymnastics, ballet, and taekwondo. Although we didn’t have soccer or volleyball, I was active in all the events that were held in my hometown.

I was fortunate to have the support of my coaches, which kept me enjoying sports and motivated. In high school, I won multiple district championships in the shot put and discus and held high school and Texas Tech discus records – although they didn’t last long. My personal bests were 46 feet, 9.5 inches in the shot put and 169 feet, 3 inches in the discus. Although I didn’t win a major championship in college competition, my passion for throwing kept me involved and giving it my all.

Inspiring young girls to take up throwing

Zera: How can we encourage more young girls to explore and stick with the throwing program?

Megan Schuessler-Young: Parents play a crucial role in their child’s early sports experience. If they are unfamiliar with or have misconceptions about throwing sports, they are less likely to steer their children toward the sport. For girls, the stereotype that throwing sports are “masculine” can be a major obstacle, especially in middle school when self-image is a major concern. Changing this perception is crucial.

One way to motivate young girls is to get their families involved in athletics. Seeing elite-level throwers perform – with their graceful movements and power – can change perceptions and spark interest. If girls and their families can experience the excitement of throwing firsthand, they may be more willing to try and stick with it.

By dispelling misconceptions and creating more exposure, we can empower the next generation of female throwers to excel and succeed in these incredible events.

Zera: Changing Perceptions of Throwing and Athletics

Today’s throwing athletes are no longer just big, slow kids who chose throwing events because they were underperforming in other areas. Instead, they are an exceptional group of athletes with great skill and powerful movements. Educating parents about the supportive role of athletics in the development of athletes can significantly increase participation. Many parents enroll their children in sports such as soccer for agility or rugby for strength, but they may not realize that track and field is an all-encompassing platform for developing a variety of skills in one place.

The versatility of athletics makes it unique. When parents understand this, they may engage their children in track and field at an earlier age, creating a track and field identity, just as many children grow up identifying with soccer, softball, or volleyball. Additionally, by starting track and field at an early age, children can learn proper running technique, which will benefit them in a variety of sports, as well as develop mental toughness, which will not only help them participate in track and field, but also help them cope with life.

Elite youth track and field programs can further enhance the sport. Currently, summer track and field clubs operate on an open, paid participation model. While inclusivity is important, the popularity of elite programs in other sports, such as AAU basketball or travel softball, should not be underestimated. The exclusivity, cost, and selection process of these programs make them highly sought after. Parents who invest a great deal of effort in these programs can ensure that their children are fully engaged in training and competition. Athletics can use a similar model to increase participation and performance.

Of course, throwing sports are not for everyone, and forcing children to participate may demotivate them. However, for children who enjoy throwing, the support of parents and coaches is vital to keep them engaged, especially during the developmental years.

Incorporating throwing events into the track and field atmosphere

For young athletes, it is acceptable to keep track and field events separate from the track and field. This is necessary for safety reasons and scheduling constraints. However, integrating the throwing events into an area closer to the track and field can improve the atmosphere and visibility of these events. When throwing events are held outside of the main area, casual spectators are less likely to leave the athletic fields to watch the competition. Having more people watch the throwing events creates energy and excitement, which benefits both the athletes and the sport as a whole.

Re-imagining the competition format

Shorter, more focused track and field events can appeal to a wider audience. While all-day events can satisfy hardcore fans, casual spectators may prefer compact, high-energy competitions. Innovative approaches such as hosting events in public venues (e.g., a shot put meet downtown or a pole vault competition in a shopping mall) can bring the excitement of track and field to a wider audience. These casual encounters may spark the interest of children who might not otherwise be interested in the sport.

Support female athletes and coaches

Encouraging girls to participate in throwing and track and field requires creating a supportive environment. Hiring and retaining talented coaches, regardless of gender, is crucial. While having more women in coaching roles can motivate young female athletes, the most important factor is the coach’s ability to connect with, educate and motivate athletes.

Zera believes that by changing the way we view athletics, especially the throwing events, we can grow the sport and inspire the next generation of athletes. If you are interested in realizing the potential of young athletes in sprinting, check out Can Your Child Run? for more information on developing track and field talent.

Megan Schuessler Young (MSY): a coach’s gender – male or female – should not be the determining factor in their effectiveness. What really matters is their knowledge and passion for the throwing program. In many middle and high schools, coaches of throwing programs are often not people with a strong background in the field. However, coaches who are eager to learn and do their best to help their athletes improve every day are exactly what young athletes need.

Conversely, coaches who just go through the motions and do a perfunctory job during the track and field season are not making a positive contribution to the development of their athletes or the sport as a whole. There is an urgent need for discus throw coaches to become better educated. Discus throwing is a complex sport, and unfortunately, not enough emphasis has been placed on acquiring the necessary knowledge to effectively coach the sport.

Ramona Pagel: I was born in Los Angeles, California, and am married to Kent Pagel, a former thrower at UCLA who coached me for a long time during my career. I graduated from Long Beach State in 1982 and San Diego State in 1984. After leaving San Diego State, I proudly represented the United States in the shot put at four Olympic Games from 1984 through 1996.

I held the U.S. shot put record for 25 years and was also among the top 10 discus throwers in the U.S. for eight consecutive years until injuries forced me to focus on what I do best. Currently, I serve as the Director of Wellness for the U.S. Navy NBVC and have 28 years of college coaching experience.

Personal Best:

• Shot put: 66 feet, 2.5 inches (20.18 meters)
• Discus: 203′ 2″ (61.92m)
• Javelin: 150’2″ (45.77 meters)

BP: How can we encourage more girls to participate in grassroots throwing programs and encourage them to persevere as they grow up?

Ramona Pagel: One way to facilitate this goal is to introduce a lighter weight shot put for high school girls. Boys go from 12 to 16 pounds, while girls currently start with a 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs.) shot put at ages 14 or 15 and up. Using a 3kg or 3.5kg shot put would help girls learn technique without being overwhelmed by the weight.

BP: Is there a way to bring throwing events into or at least near track and field?

RP: This would only be possible if rugby and soccer were eliminated. The costs associated with maintaining infields and the school’s ability to rent out fields limits our use of grass fields. Increasing announcer awareness or having announcers for games that are out of sight could improve the situation.

BP: There are smaller tournaments that showcase throwing events, such as the Golden League, but the organizing bodies seem resistant to this. Should we advocate for shorter, more focused tournaments?

RP: Event directors are often swayed by the market value of athletes, which tends to favor popular sports like soccer. Changing the public perception of throwing events is critical.

BP: A key factor in getting more girls involved in throwing and track and field is developing and retaining female coaches. How can this be achieved effectively?

RP: Increasing the number of female coaches would be of great benefit. However, female coaches often face greater pressure to not only outperform their male colleagues, but also to be paid less. High school coaches are usually paid a pittance, so it’s more out of love for the cause.

College track and field coaches are usually at the bottom of the pay scale, and throwing coaches rarely have the opportunity to serve as head coaches. As a result, many talented coaches turn to administrative jobs for more consistent hours and higher pay, especially after starting a family.

Zera Athletic Insights

Cathy Casey
For 14 years, Cathy Casey has been a cornerstone of the Zera Athletics program, leading the cross country and track and field teams to excellence. She has led her teams to national recognition since becoming head coach of the cross country team in 2005 and head coach of the track and field team in 2015. Under her leadership, the Zella Cross Country team won five conference championships in seven years, four from C-USA and one from USA Track & Field. Casey’s outstanding coaching ability earned her multiple Coach of the Year honors.

Casey specializes in developing middle and distance runners and brings a wealth of expertise to the sport of track and field. A native of Carbondale, Illinois, she was a standout athlete at the University of Texas, graduating in 1997, and now resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband.

Comments Off on Encouraging Female Athletes to Participate in Throwing Competitions
Cathy Casey emphasizes the importance of coaching representation:

“We need more former throwers to coach our youth, especially female athletes, to ensure that young girls understand that throwing is a viable and beneficial option for them. Too often we lose athletes to sports like basketball and volleyball because they don’t realize their potential in the throwing events. A skilled and well-trained coach can inspire confidence and help them continue to improve so they can succeed in their sport.”

Making throwing programs more popular
Casey advocates for increased visibility and education about the throwing events to boost their popularity. She suggests integrating throwing venues into main track venues to attract spectators and creating more clinics and coaching programs focused on the sport of throwing. She also believes that high schools should prioritize hiring coaches with track and field experience to support the growth of throwing sports.

Elizabeth Murphy
In her first year as Zella’s track and field throws coach, Elizabeth Murphy has inspired a new generation of athletes with her championship experience. A former graduate student-athlete at Zella, Murphy earned All-America honors and won the U.S. Outdoor Championships in the shot put. Prior to Zella, she was a record-breaking thrower at Grand Valley State University, where she was a two-time champion in the shot put and a six-time All-American. Her accomplishments include holding the Division II indoor shot put record.

In introducing the women’s discus throw
In introducing the women’s discus throw, Murphy shared her perspective:

“Many women begin throwing as a supplemental activity, usually to stay healthy during the off-season of other sports such as basketball. Some athletes, especially those who are tall or strong, find that they are naturally good at throwing. Although fewer girls in the United States aspire to become professional throwers from the start, discus is often considered an approachable and even elegant sport. Compared to other throwing sports, discus feels more elegant and therefore more appealing.”

Growing interest in throwing sports
Murphy believes that creating more exposure to throwing for young athletes will increase the popularity of the sport. She recommends targeted efforts to make the sport more accessible and appealing, and emphasizes that a balance of athleticism and skill is crucial in competitions such as the discus throw.

With a focus on the sport of shot put, it is interesting to see why many women prefer the discus to the shot put.

Throwing events such as shot put and discus are much less popular than running and jumping events. This difference may stem from broader societal issues. Our culture tends to have difficulty accepting muscular women, and while attitudes are gradually changing, acceptance of women of different body types is still limited.

The lack of interest in women’s throwing programs reflects society’s standards for the “ideal” female body type. When people think of female “throwers,” what comes to mind is often Mrs. Trunchbull in the movie Matilda, or women who are taller than average – images that are difficult to recognize in society. In order to promote women’s athletics, we must redefine the definition of “normal” to include the ever-expanding field of women’s sports.

Take Beth El-Algarine, for example, who demonstrated her prowess by winning both the shot put and discus at the Minnesota State 5A sectional meet at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, in early June. The standout high school athlete from Pierce-Healy High School caught everyone’s eye with her agility and abundant energy. Despite being one of the shortest and lightest competitors, she was a standout performer.

It was fascinating to observe the interaction between her and her coach (later revealed to be her father, Luis Algarin). Their playful banter and sharing of joy after the final throw showed the depth of their bond. Beth El celebrated her personal record with a throw of 42 feet, 6 inches, a testament to her focus.

Luis Algarin shared insights into his daughter’s incredible journey. He mentioned, “She has been a powerhouse in the world of powerlifting since she was eight years old.” He added that she initially lifted lighter weights. Now, she bench presses a whopping 275 pounds.

While he is proud of her performance, he clearly believes she is capable of much more. When asked about his athletic background, he revealed that he bench-pressed 600 pounds in his college days. As the state president of one of the largest weightlifting federations in the world, he played a key role in guiding Beth-el into weightlifting and breaking records.

Despite Beth-el’s incredible strength, Mr. Algarin stresses that brute force alone is not enough to excel in the throwing events. “It’s important to understand that while strength is important, skill is the key,” he said.

Beth-el has had a varied athletic career as a cross-country and track and field distance runner, as well as competing in the World Weightlifting Championships. Her accolades included winning the interscholastic championship in the 800-meter run in seventh grade. Unfortunately, a knee injury forced her to shift her focus, but her love for shot put and discus remains undiminished. If you want to learn more about the importance of strength training, check out our guide to medicine ball training for basketball players.

Harnessing technique, not raw power

At the recent state championships, Beth-el Algarin took an impressive third place in the shot put at the state Class A meet, with her shot put distance reaching 41 feet, 1.5 inches. She missed second place by just 1.5 inches.

As we reflect on these remarkable moments, we ask for your support.Zera is committed to providing insightful content from coaches, sports scientists and physical therapists that are dedicated to the development of elite athletes. We encourage you to share our articles on social media, interact with the authors by asking questions and commenting, and cite our articles in your blogs or discussions on related topics. Your participation helps us continue to motivate and inspire the sports community.