To discover

The shot put of the javelin varies according to age category: Poussin (U12): 400g, Benjamin (U14): 500g, U16 (U16): 600g, U18 (U18): 700g (new standard since November 2025), Junior and above (U20+): 800g. These weights are defined by the French Athletics Federation (FFA) and World Athletics.

For beginners, it's advisable to choose a javelin adapted to your age category. Choose a training model, which is more flexible and tolerant of technical errors. Avoid competition javelins at first, as they are designed for experienced throwers. Clubs generally supply javelins for beginners, allowing you to test before investing.

In championships (departmental, regional, French): 3 qualifying trials, then 3 final trials for the best 8. In meetings or open competitions: generally 3 or 4 throws. A throw is valid if the tip touches the ground first in the landing sector, and if the athlete has not bitten (crossed the run-up line). The best performance counts towards the ranking.

The javelin throw is divided into 5 phases: (1) Run-up: 5 to 14 strides (8 on average), to build up speed. (2) Placement run-up: 3 to 6 strides with a lively rhythm, the javelin is cocked. (3) Cross step (HOP): impulse on the left leg to prepare for the block. (4) Double stance and block: transfer of energy from the run-up to the arm, this is the key phase. (5) Catch-up: recovery of balance after the release.

Timothy discovered athletics at the age of 6 in éveil athlé at US Arnage. He specialized in the javelin at the age of 11 under the guidance of Noël Patinec. In September 2025, he joined the Pôle Espoir in Poitiers to continue his training in sport-studies, combining intensive training with schooling at the Lycée Camille Guérin.

Timothy has been a member of US Arnage (Sarthe), his training club, since he started out. It's here that he grew up with his coach Noël Patinec. Since September 2025, he has also been a student at the Pôle Espoir in Poitiers, where he benefits from the coaching of Luc Duquerroy, federal javelin coach, while continuing his studies.

There are 2 French Championships: the Winter Throwing Championships (February-March) and the Summer Championships (June-July). To qualify, athletes must achieve the FFA minimum standards (e.g. 53m in the U18 javelin for the summer) or be in the top 16 in the French ranking if the quota of minimum qualifiers is not reached. Athletes track their performances on the FFA website.

The FFA recommends not specializing before the U18 category (U18). The athletic triathlon (1 run + 1 jump + 1 throw) was created to enable U14/U16 athletes to discover all disciplines. The results of the 3 events are added together using the FFA scoring table to produce the rankings. Timothy uses the javelin, hurdles, high jump, shot put and relays to develop his athletic skills.