There is a need for the development of a support system with which a paralympian can produce more force during a shot put. The current setting involves a seated position, which inhibits the amount of centripetal force that can be generated. The international Paralympic Committee places restrictions on these devices during the games.

This development will stand to further the Paralympic games. As in any undeveloped field, the progress allowed by a significant improvement in a supportive device can be dramatic. This opportunity could parallel for example, the improvements in golf due to new materials, geometries and knowledge of the equipment. This project allows an excellent doorway into the paralympic sports as well as offering a chance to improve the games for time to come.
 

Teri Jordan Lucas, coach of Penn State’s disabled athletes, who works with a discus, shot-put and javelin athlete, Jeffrey Hantz, is trying to help get Jeff to the 2004 Olympic games in Greece. He will need 1 meter more in the shot put event to get to international competition in order to qualify for the Olympics. She works with Jeff as a strength coach and also is currently looking for a group of engineers to redesign Jeff a new throwing chair for the event.

The current Chair being used is a typical stationary paralympic-throwing chair. This is a triangular shape chair that is fixed height of 75 centimeters. The chair contains two support pads that hold the athlete into the chair. The chair is secured to a metal framework so the chair does not tip over. These chairs are commercially available thru various manufactures.

New ideas such as a rotating seat have been designed but have shown little or no improvement for the athlete. The design incorporates a circular seat that rotates on top of ball bearings. ARL of Penn State also designed a new rotating chair mounted to a 4 ft diameter circular plate that sat on the ground. A handrail was also placed around the chair to allow Jeff to use is free hand to rotate without the use of his legs.