Javelin is an athletic EVENT and a type of SPEAR. It is a track and field EVENT in which athletes throw a SPEAR-like object called a javelin as far as they can. The javelin is a long, thin pole made of metal or fiberglass with a sharp point at one end. The javelin is thrown from a standing position and the athlete must stay within a marked area. The javelin must land within a designated area for it to be counted as a valid throw. The athlete who throws the javelin the farthest is the winner.