Its every bit as badass as it sounds.
For proof, just take a scroll throughGwen Berrys Instagram.
you might see Berry in her element here:
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My sophomore year, the coach told me to try something differentthe hammer, Berry tells SELF.
He said I reminded him of a former thrower.
(She ended up serving as an alternate for the London Games.)
This year, with the American record in June, shes throwing her best distances yet.
Throwers begin by swinging the ball in angled circles around their bodies like a pendulum, says Berry.
You dont want to bend over too much and use your back, she says.
Instead, she imagines she is sitting back in a chair and spinning from that position.
You want to use your arms more than your legs.
A good hammer throw also requires good hand-eye coordination.
You want to be connected to the ball with your hands and with your eyes, says Berry.
Balance and symmetry throughout the body is another important element.
You want your arms to be parallel to each other, says Berry.
The main focus is getting strong while doing that specific movement.
The ultimate goal, says Berry, is to practice these motions so much that they become second nature.
It really goes back so far, says Berry of the hammer throw.
They used hammer throws in wars, when they tried to conquer different villages.
It was an art, and the best warriors were the best at throwing.
She says this historical context inspires her during practice and competition.
Ill watch movies, like300andPirates of the Caribbeanand see the hammer throwing techniques used.
That said, Berry says she has a love-hate relationship with the sport.
Love or hate, Berry will continue to push forward with her goals.
On setting the American record last month: It felt really good, says Berry.
It gave me the confidence to be an Olympic medalist and even an Olympic champion.
Her next goals: medal in Tokyo, and also at the 2019 World Championships in Doha.
In the process, she hopes the sport will become a bigger part of American sports culture.
I wish [the hammer throw] was more popular and respected in the United States, says Berry.
Its just as athleticand in some ways more athleticthan the major sports like football and basketball.
Thats where well see the next up-and-comers in the sport.
For more information and to watch the championships, seehere.
