Events.Today’s Scottish Highland Games athlete combines strength, skill and endurance to compete in these time honored events. The athletes typically compete in all 9 Heavy events in one day. In the spirit of the affable Scot, these competitors combine the attributes of the athlete with the fellowship of clansmen to promote and perpetuate the heart of the Scottish festival, The Highland Games.
|
CaberThe centerpiece of the modern Highland Games, the caber requires strength, balance and timing. The caber is a tapered log approximately 16-20 feet long and weighing 60# to 140# (These weights and measures vary at different games depending on the field of athletes and the terrain). The athlete hoists the caber and folds his hands under the end while cradling it against his shoulder. Gaining the balance of the upright caber, he will run briefly with it to gain momentum for the toss. Followed by field judges, the competitor heaves the caber up and over to ground its heavy end and let it fall forward. The field judge will ascribe a “score” to the toss. If the caber is “tumed” it will be scored with its landing position relative to the face of a giant clock. 12:00 being a perfect score. If the caber doesn’t tum over, it is scored by the degree it rose from the ground.
Weight for DistanceUsing metal 56# or 28# weights with a chain or handle attached, the athletes are throwing for distance. The weight is thrown one-handed from behind the trig with a nine-foot run up allowed. Any style may be used but the most popular and efficient is to spin like a discus thrower. The contestants are judged on the longest of three tosses If the athlete touches the top of the trig or the ground in front of it during his attempt, the throw is not counted.
|
|