A discus is a heavy, flat, circular object that athletes throw as far as they can in a track and field event. It looks like a dinner plate made of wood and metal, weighing about 4.4 pounds for men and 2.2 pounds for women.

Throwing the discus requires a spinning technique that athletes practice for years to master. The thrower stands in a circle, spins rapidly to build momentum, and releases the discus at just the right moment to send it sailing through the air. The current world record is over 243 feet, longer than a basketball court.

The discus throw is one of the oldest Olympic sports, dating back to the ancient Greek Olympics around 708 BC. Greek athletes considered it a test of strength, coordination, and grace. Today, statues of discus throwers from ancient Greece still inspire modern athletes.