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 cannon balls. 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 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 1912 Games, in which he earned a silver medal.