Photo Essay

 A young mexican warrior (Alex Ponce) stands with his javelin awaiting battle, however, battle in his case is the district track & field meet.

The pressure is amplified with the grandstands and other competitors. Even though it is a meet filled with many different events, the javelin throwers are in their own world.

The chalk flies off his hands as he grips the javelin. Once the javelin is gripped, it does not leave the hand until launched through the air as far as possible. A grip determines the worth and strength of the warrior. What is a warrior without a true grip?

Without a javelin, the thrower has nothing. Without a thrower, the javelin is nothing. Both are dependent on one another to perform and outdo the rest of the field. Alex makes sure he knows every inch of the javelin.

Competitors keep their pre-competition interactions with each other extremely surface level. Focusing on the eminent throw is what really matters. If they talk to each other it is at a distance.

The whole body is put to use as the javelin is tossed into the air and over 170 feet into the field. The young warrior exerts all possible force from his body and gives it to the javelin. A gift that is only given to few.

The warrior is left alone to observe his own great feat. He can only hope he has done everything possible to ensure the furthest distance is achieved from the toss.