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In this article “The Discus Paradox” they claim that if a discus is thrown properly into the wind, it can go up to five to six metres farther. A discus’ flight is similar to a plane because the lift is the force that is keeping up the discus in the air, and it does the same thing to an airplane. So even though it may seem odd to through into the wind but they say it could be an advantage opposed to the popular belief of throwing with the wind.

Many discus throwers love having the wind behind them so it “pushes” the discus farther, but they do not always benefit from a tailwind. In most cases the wind blows in on an angle which will really only affect the flight of the discus if thrown improperly, such as a “wobbly” or sideways flight. I think that athletes should try to use this tactic in both competition and in practice. For the wind to be beneficial the discus needs to be thrown properly, so it will help the athlete with their technique and proper release.

Investigative Article Resources

Boutin, Gaeten. "The benefits of HIGH Altitude Training." STRONGATHLETECOM RSS. Web.. <http://strong-athlete.com/the-benefits-of-high-altitude-training.html>.

Mackenzie, B. "Environmental Effects." 1 January 1997. Web. <http://www.brianmac.co.uk/environ.htm>.

Simpson, Alistair. "Altitude Training." . 1 June 2007. Web. . <http://www.altitude.org/altitude_training.php>.

Stahl, Jason. "Secrets to Oympic Success: Training at Altitude." Men's Fitness. Web. <http://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/secrets-to-oympic-success-training-at-altitude>.