I have attended the Scottish Highland Games, with my family, for many years now. Each year we go to the Loch Norman HG, the Grandfather Mountain HG and the Waxhaw HG.
The Games are a blast. There are Clan tents with information and socializing, vendors tents, food tents, artists, craftsmen, musicians, Highland Dancing contests, Piping contests, Pipe and Drum Bands contests, and of course the Scottish Heavy Athletic events.
On October 25, 1997, my brother, Scott, and I participated in our first Scottish Heavy Athletics at the Waxhaw Highland Games.
There were 6 events. In the descriptions below you'll see why they are called "Heavy" events. You'll also see why most of the participants are big, brawny, powerful athletes. Scott and I participated in the same group as all of the other athletes, but at most games there are divisions for 2 levels of amateurs and one professional division.
No, we didn't win any medals, but we were very happy with our performances. There were 10 competitors total.
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Clachneart (Stone Throw)
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Weight Throw |
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56 lb. Weight for distance
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28 lb. Weight for distance
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Hammer Throw We used the 22 lb. hammer. This was my favorite event.
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Caber Toss We used a 20 ft. 115 lb. Caber. Scott and I both had to drop our first attempts, but then we were each able to get the Caber up and complete 2 tosses each. Out of 30 tosses (10 competitors x 3 attempts each) there were only 4 tosses that scored. Of all of the events this was the most fun, but the hardest to complete. |
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Sheaf Toss This was my hardest event. I didn't understand the technique of the throw. I was eliminated at 16 ft., while Scott was eliminated at 18 ft. The winner was able to toss the Sheaf over the bar at 30 ft. This was a game record. |
These pages are maintained by William McLuskie.