Christopher Reed, age 13, of Pittsfield, Mass., for his question:

HOW HEAVY IS THE DISCUS?

One of the oldest track and field events included in many track meets today is the discus throw. This sporting event was first used by the ancient Greeks and it is an important event in the modern Olympics, which were begun in 1696 with the discus throw on the schedule.

The discus must weigh at least four pounds, 6 2/5 ounces.

The modern discus looks very much like a circular dinner plate. It is made of hard wood with an outer rim of metal. In the ancient Greek days it was made of stone.

The diameter of the discus is not less than 8 5/8 inches and the thickness at the center is not less than one half inch. The edge is rounded.

The thrower stands within a metal or wooden circle measuring 8 feet, 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The discus must land within a 90 degree section of the field that is marked from the circle's center.