Tom McNeely: Summer Olympic Javelin Throw

Artist: Tom McNeely
1935 -
Nationality: Canadian
Artwork Year: 1991
Image Size: 17.125 by 19.75 inches
Overall Size: 20.5 by 24.5 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

The javelin throw has its roots deep in the history of the world. It was described in Homer's Iliad and no doubt had a direct connection with hunting and war. In the Olympics of ancient times, the javelin was thrown for distance and accuracy. The javelin throw has been part of the modern Olympics since the 1908 London Games; success here means distance more than accuracy. In that first-ever men's competition, Eric Lemming of Sweden took top honors. It was not until 1952 in Helsinki that United States men ascended the stairs to the medalists' platform. That year, two Americans, Cyrus Young and William Miller took the gold and silver, respectively. American women, however, fared well right from the beginning. The women's javelin throw was first held in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles. Prior to the event, Texan Babe Didriksen bragged "I am out to beat everybody in sight, and that's just what I'm going to do." Didriksen lived up to her bold words, heaving the javelin one hundred forty-three feet, four inches on her first try. Ever since then, the nation's women have competed fiercely in the javelin throw. The women's javelin must weigh a minimum of a little over twenty-six ounces and must measure better than seven feet in length. The javelin is thrown on the run to maximize the distance of the toss.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the U.S. Tribute to the Olympics stamp pane issued July 12, 1991.

Artwork Copyright © 1991 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB12999

US$ Price: $2,700.00

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