BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SHOT·PUT EVENT AT THE 2004 ATHENS OLYMPIC GAMES

The purpose of this study was to analyze the best shot put performances in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Multiple high speed digital video cameras were placed in specific locations on the field at proper angles in order to capture the performance of the athletes in the preliminaries and finals. Two stationary cameras were placed at 45 degrees to each other. In addition 3 more cameras used by the NBC broadcasting were used to assist the other 2 cameras. Temporal and kinematics variables were calculated from the videos records and were analyzed yielding three-dimensional biomechanical results. Patterns of the segmental movements were used rather than absolute values, to assist the athletes and the coaches in the analysis of the performances. Kinematics parameters for the best 3 fina'l performers were presented in this study. KEY WORDS: shot-put analysis, kinematic analysis, angular velocities, linear velocities, angle of release, 2004 Olympic Game