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Heavy Events
Traditionally, the heavy events were contests held between local
farmers in Scotland. The farmers would challenge each other to carry
heavy rocks for a distance, toss sheaves of straw into the air, and
heave around large timbers.
In today’s competitions, these events adhere
to strict rules and codes. Events include Caber Toss, Putting the
Stone, 16 lb. Hammer Toss, 28 lb. Weight – Distance, 56 lb. Weight –
Distance, and 56 lb. Weight – Height.
Throwing the Weights
This competition consists of two
separate events. Both are derived from ancient tests of military
skills.
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The weight thrown for distance is reminiscent of a mace. The
weight thrown for height resembles a grappling hook, which was once
used to scale fortifications. The “weight for distance” contest uses
a weight consisting of a ball and chain. There are three standard
weight divisions: 14+28lbs for the women, 28+56lbs for the men, and
28+42lbs for the Masters. Each weight must be thrown with one hand.
With a combination of balance, rhythm, and power, this is often
considered a graceful athletic event. The second event, the “Weight
Over the Bar,” uses a 56 lb. (men), 28 lb. (women), or 42 lb.
(masters) weight usually with a ring attached. Each athlete is
allowed three attempts to clear a marked height before the bar is
raised. The victor is the sole thrower who can clear the highest
bar. |
Putting the Stone
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This popular contest is derived from an
ancient clan ritual. Each chieftain’s “stone of strength” was
situated at the entrance of his castle. Before entry was granted,
every visiting clansman was obligated to test his strength by
throwing it for distance. This was perhaps to insure that certain
guests would be capable to defend the castle. If besieged, the
successful stone putter would be posted on the battlements, hurling
large boulders down upon the attackers. The Stone Throw at many
Games follow the “Braemar” style. In Braemar competition, a stone,
weighing up to 26 lbs., is thrown from a stationary position. |
Hammer Throwing
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The history of this event is much
debated. Some suggest that, like throwing the weight, the hammer is
analogous to the ancient mace. Others have claimed it derives from a
simple contest between village smithies. Whether of military or
agrarian origins, it has grown into an internationally recognized
Olympic event. Not to be confused with its all-metal counterpart
used in the Olympics, the Scots’ hammer has a wooden shaft made of
cane, an overall length of 50 inches and comes in two weights:
“Light” (up to 16 lbs.) and “Heavy” (up to 22 lbs.). Both are thrown
standing-style, wound several times around the head, and released
straight behind the thrower. |
The Caber Toss
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Historically, a felled tree trunk or
caber was used to bridge deep, swiftly-running rivers. Less apt to
wash out when laid at a right angle to the river, accuracy of
placement was both a highly developed skill and a dire necessity if
one’s men were to cross the swift rapids. Today’s athletic
competition is still judged on the accuracy rather than the distance
of the throw. At 100 lbs., or more, and often at least 18 feet long,
the caber is held by the narrower end, while its thicker, more
unwieldy end points skyward. Once lifted by the athlete, the caber
must be run forward, stopped dead and then heaved end over end. If
the perfect “twelve o’ clock toss” is made, the tree trunk will have
landed dead straight ahead with its narrow end pointing away from
the athlete. |
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