In the image above, Per Axel Eriksson takes part in the Discus event of the Decathlon at the 1948 Games.
The Discus is a wooden plate rimmed with metal and athletes compete to see who can throw it as far as possible. The Discus event has been part of Olympic history since ancient times, as far back as 776 BC in the ancient Pentathlon. Other events included in the ancient games included a race in armour, wrestling and long jump.
Today 41 athletes from around the world will compete to qualify for the men’s Discus Throw final.
Find out more about the men's Discus Throw event
