The Scandinavians adopted the event around 1780 and the javelin underwent an astounding growth, becoming a symbol of national independence for the Finns.In those days the javelin measured 2.60m, weighed 800 grams (as it does today), and was of hickory wood.

The ancient style of throwing whilst on the run replaced freestyle techniques as did the measuring of single hand efforts as opposed to 'both hands' aggregates.

In 1952 the throw line became an arc, as opposed to a straight line, and throws began to be measured from point of impact to the inside edge of the throwing arc.

In 1953 Franklin "Bud" Held (USA) invented a hollow javelin, which increased the surface area of the javelin by 27%, greatly increasing its flight capability and causing the javelin to land horizontally, revolutionising the event. In 1954 Held developed a metal variant, which went further still.

In 1966 the Spaniard Felix Erausquin threw over 100 metres using a rotational technique, which was banned by the IAAF as too dangerous. The 100m barrier was broken again in 1984 by Uwe Hohn. The IAAF then established new rules for the construction of the javelin to ensure shorter flight times and point first landings (safer and easier to measure). In 1991 the rules were changed to disqualify a new type of javelin with a 'rough' or corrugated tail design.

The first women's marks were recorded in Finland in 1916. Originally, a javelin weighing 800g was used but this was later standardised at 600g. The first IAAF world record dates back to 1932, the year in which the event made its Olympic debut. A new specification women's javelin, in which the centre of gravity was moved forward by 30cm to obtain a flight similar to the men's implement and to avoid flat landings, was introduced in April 1999, previous records being scrapped.