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What are the Highland Games?
Braemar
The Braemar Stone Toss is named after an old festival held in Braemar, Scotland, during which participants tried to lift a stone weighing between 22 and 28 pounds.
This test, based as much on force as on technique, requires the lifting of the stone from a vertical position to launch from the station. Without swing or rotation, the athlete must keep both feet stationary while the stone is released. He must not pass the board on the ground, which marks the front and back of the station, nor throw or touch the ground with any part of his body other than his feet.
Open Stone
Clachneart (stone throwing) is one of the oldest events of strength in the world. The challenge was simple: determine who can throw a good-sized stone, found in a creek, the farthest.
The open stone toss was created based on the Clachneart, while allowing the swing or pivot, the weight of the stone generally measuring between 16 and 18 pounds. The athlete must then, at all times, keep at least one foot within the limits of the throwing surface, measuring 4’6” wide by 7’6” deep. The beam, which determines the throwing surface on the ground, must in no case be exceeded.
Heavy Weight
Light Weight Toss
Derived from the same origins as the Heavy Weight Toss, the 2 stone (28 pounds) Light Weight, once used to weigh grains, reinvented itself in the modern track and field event. This event is composed of 35 pounds weights. The athlete must constantly keep at least one foot within the limits of the throwing surface, measuring 4’6” wide by 9” deep, and respect the beam limit on the floor when throwing.
Heavy Hammer
Developed hundreds of years ago, the carrier’s solid stone hammer throw is now recognized as a Highland Games’ heavy event. Bigger than the blacksmith’s, this heavy 22-pound hammer is thrown by the athlete during the Heavy Hammer Throw.
While keeping his feet stationary, the athlete is supported by metal spurs, mounted on the back of his boots, and pushed into the ground. While standing behind the throwing beam, he must avoid falling, touching the ground and keep both feet firmly planted until the hammer is released from his hands.
Caber Toss
Sheaf Toss
The Sheaf Toss originates from throwing straw into the barn attic, a once customary task. This event, traditionally competed at agricultural fairs, has made its way to the Highland Games over the past 100 years, becoming one of the fans’ favorites.
Using a three-pronged fork, athletes try to throw a jute bag filled with straw or rope over a crossbar. Each athlete is given three tries for each increased height until there is a winner. If two or more athletes are tied, failures are considered.
Weight Over Bar