Men's javelin throw world record progression


The first world record in the men's javelin throw was recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1912.
As of June 21, 2009, 46 world records have been ratified by the IAAF in the event. New specifications for the javelin were introduced in 1986, and javelins with serrated tails were banned in 1991 which had the effect of reverting to an earlier record set in 1990.

Record progression

New specifications were introduced in 1986.
MarkAthleteDateLocation
85.7421 September 1986Como, Italy
87.6631 May 1987Nitra, Czechoslovakia
89.1024 March 1990Austin, United States
89.582 July 1990Stockholm, Sweden
89.66 *14 July 1990Oslo, Norway
90.98 *20 July 1990London, England
91.98 *6 May 1991Shizuoka, Japan
96.96 *2 June 1991Punkalaidun, Finland

* achieved using Németh model
Javelins with serrated tails were outlawed by the IAAF in Tokyo in August 1991 at the IAAF-Congress; several of the above records were rescinded as from 20.9.1991, and the record reverted to Steve Backley's 89.58, the longest throw with the regular new implement.
MarkAthleteDateLocation
89.582 July 1990Stockholm, Sweden
91.4625 January 1992North Shore City, New Zealand
95.546 April 1993Pietersburg, South Africa
95.6629 August 1993Sheffield, United Kingdom
98.4825 May 1996Jena, Germany