With the track and field season fully in swing, athletes have begun showing up at the track daily, rain or shine. With over 15 events to choose from, from the mile to high jump, choosing the perfect ones can feel overwhelming. However, for FHS junior Ryan Lehto, the choice was clear from a very young age. He found his calling in the throwing events — shot put, discus, hammer throw and javelin — an interest sparked by his older brother and nurtured since second grade. Lehto tried out numerous other sports before discovering his love for throwing.
Lehto admires the unique aspects of Track and Field in comparison to other sports, highlighting the “me vs. me” nature of the sport, where individuals compete against themselves, striving for new personal records. Even within Track and Field, throwing presents a uniquely independent competition since it is not a race like the running events are.
“I like that in track, you have that kind of objective marker that you can use to measure yourself,” Lehto said. “You could always be getting better relative to where you are as opposed to having the subjective, ‘How good are you?’ [Shot put is] generally more laid back and less competitive, and from what I see, you have people that are a lot more willing to give each other tips and cheer each other on, even though they’re competing.”
FHS Head Throwing Coach Jefferey Lehto, who is also Ryan Lehto’s father, enjoys bonding with his son over the sport and offers insight and advice to aspiring throwers.
“[Ryan] made very steady improvement, ever since he started, which is really the key,” Coach Lehto said. “We try to make sure everyone’s having a good time here. If everyone’s enjoying themselves and getting better, then I’ll be pretty happy.”
Of the variety of throwing events in Track and Field, Lehto’s favorite is the hammer throw. He enjoys it because of how he can conceptualize the movement and how the throw continues to get build speed as it progresses.
“You have to stay patient and stay controlled and just speed up, and then use everything to your advantage,” Lehto said. “I really like it philosophically and technically, where it forces you to ground yourself both literally and mentally.”
As with anything new, joining a new sport can be extremely daunting. However, it can also lead to many new memories that can be cherished for life. A solid group of people to help facilitate learning is crucial to finding success in new endeavors. Lehto highlighted the supportive community he has found throwing in Track and Field, and he provides advice for those interested.
“We always like more people,” Lehto said. “[Throwing is] great, it’s supportive, and it gives you a way to improve yourself and try something new.”
Coach Lehto echoed this same message.
“I think everyone should give it [throwing] a try if they’re interested, and you never know what your potential is until you try something,” Coach Lehto said.
