Why Neeraj Chopra and Nadeem Arshad Aren’t Throwing at 45°: A Physics-Based Insight for the Paris Olympics
As the Paris Olympics approach, the world’s attention is on javelin stars Neeraj Chopra from India and Nadeem Arshad from Pakistan. These athletes, who have consistently delivered top-tier performances, have intrigued many with their choice to avoid the traditional 45° throwing angle. According to basic physics, a 45° launch angle should yield the maximum range for a projectile. So why are these elite throwers choosing different angles? Let’s explore the science behind this decision. The Physics Behind the 45° Angle The 45° rule is rooted in the principles of projectile motion. In an ideal environment—where air resistance is negligible, and the object is uniform in shape—launching a projectile at 45° results in the maximum horizontal distance. However, real-world javelin throwing involves factors that complicate this simple rule, such as aerodynamics, wind, and the design of the javelin itself. The Role of Aerodynamics Javelins are not simple projectiles; they are specifically des