Abstract
This paper describes the optimization of the design of a discus and the skill with which it is thrown. The objective function for optimization is the flight distance, where longer is better. Thirteen control variables are considered, eleven of which are concerned with the skill of the thrower. These determine the launch conditions, which are controlled by the thrower when he or she throws the discus. The other two variables are concerned with the discus itself. These are the moment of inertia on its transverse axis and the mass of the discus. It was found that the optimized flight distance was 77 m. The optimal initial spin rate on its axis of symmetry prevents the falling of the discus during the flight.
