The javelin throw is an athletics (track and field) throwing event where the object to be thrown is the javelin, a spear-like object made of metal and fibreglass.

Rules are similar to other throwing events: Competitors take three throws or six when they are placed to the eight position, their best legal throw is recorded and the winner is the individual with the longest legal throw. The javelin's point must touch the ground first for the throw to be legal. The most noticeable difference with the other events is that rather than a throwing circle as used in discus, shot put and hammer throw, the competitors have a run-up area coated with the same surface used for running tracks, and a painted line on the surface from which they must release the javelin. They also use spikes unlike other throwers, with eleven small spikes on each shoe.

Javelin throwers gain considerable forward velocity in their run-up to their throws, and as well as strength demonstrate athleticism more similar to running and jumping events. Thus, the athletes share more similar physical characteristics to those athletes rather than the bulky frames of the strength throwers. At release, a javelin can reach speeds approaching 70 mph (113 km/h).

The javelin throw has been part of the Summer Olympics since its inception. Although the javelin is currently used only for sport in most areas, it has a long history of use for hunting and warfare. There are, for instance, numerous references to the javelin in ancient Hellenic civilization, who practised a form of javelin throwing at the ancient Olympics. The objective there, however was to throw at a target rather than for distance.

The senior javelin is 800 g for men and 600 g for women.

The world record for men, at 98.48 meters, is held by Jan Zelezný from the Czech Republic, set at May 25, 1995. The world record for women, at 71.54 meters, is held by Osleidys Menéndez from Cuba, set at July 1, 2001.