Athletics at the 1956 Summer Olympics – Women's javelin throw

The women's javelin throw was an event at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

Five athletes didn't surpass that distance in the heats.

The leading qualifier was 18 year old Karen Anderson, throwing 49.64m on her first attempt.

The medal positions held until the fifth round when Marlene Ahrens threw 50.38m to leap from fifth place to silver.

On her final attempt for punctuation, Jaunzeme added more than two meters, almost seven feet to the Olympic record, throwing 53.86 m (176 ft 8 in).