How Fast Is That Going?

From the fast-flying badminton birdie to the slower and heavier shot-put, we’ve proven you a variety of speeds that can play a crucial function in who wins a medal. Is the thing quick sufficient to go nice distances? Is it quick sufficient to befuddle an opponent? Will the pace maintain an arrow true?

The birdie and the shot-put couldn’t be extra completely different. The birdie is in regards to the quickest projectile you’ll see at these Olympics, and it’s as mild as a feather — actually. It’s made from 16 goose feathers and weighs lower than two-tenths of an oz. (about 5 grams).

Compare that with the boys’s shot, one of many heaviest and slowest objects on the Summer Games. It weighs a whopping 16 kilos (7.26 kilograms) — the utmost weight of a bowling ball. To win an Olympic medal, an athlete might want to put it greater than three-quarters of a basketball court docket.

When you’re watching the Games, consider simply how a lot an object’s pace can decide the end result. Follow The New York Times Olympic protection.