An Illustrated History of Shot Put

Various stone- or weight-throwing events date back more than 2000 years in the British Isles. The first known events resembling the modern shot put likely occurred in the Middle Ages when soldiers held competitions in which they hurled cannonballs. Shot put competitions were recorded in early 19th century Scotland and were a part of the British Amateur Championships beginning in 1866. Shot put was an original modern Olympic event, with American Robert Garrett winning at the Athens Games in 1896.

One of the great shot putters of the early Olympic Games, American Ralph Rose won gold medals in 1904 and 1908. He's shown here during the 1908 Games, in which he earned a gold medal.

Robert Garrett was the first modern Olympic shot put champion, in 1896, with a throw measuring 11.22 meters (36 feet, 9 1/2 inches). In 1932 Leo Sexton (above) reached the 16-meter (52-6) mark to take the gold during the first Games held in Los Angeles.

American Randy Barnes set a world record with a toss measuring 23.12 meters (75 feet, 10 inches) in 1990. 

Women's shot put entered the Summer Olympics in 1948. Modern Olympic champs include 2000 gold medalist Yanina Korolchik of Belarus.

Several Americans have been among the world's best shot putters of the 21st century, including 2004 World Indoor Championship gold medalist Christian Cantwell (right) and silver medalist Reese Hoffa.

Despite the popularity of the rotational shot put technique among elite shot putters, Tomasz Majewski of Poland won consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012 by using the glide technique. 

Valerie Adams of New Zealand has been the dominant women's shot putter of the 21st century, winning ever major outdoor title from 2007-2013 (two Olympic gold medals and four World Championship titles), in addition to three World Indoor Championship gold medals.