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Stone put
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The stone put (Scottish Gaelic: clach air a chur) is one of the main Scottish heavy athletic events at modern-day Highland games gatherings. While similar to the shot put, the stone put more frequently uses an ordinary stone or rock instead of a steel ball. The weight of the stone varies from 7.3–13.6 kg (16–30 lb) for men (or 3.6–8.2 kg (8–18 lb) for women) depending on which type of stone put event (Braemar stone or Open stone) is being contested and also on the idiosyncrasies of the event (mainly because stones in use have no standard weight). There are also some differences in allowable techniques and rules.
Robert Burns was keen on stone putting and apparently left his favourite putting stone at Ellisland Farm near Dumfries. If he saw anyone using it whilst he lived there he would call "Bide a wee" and join in the sport, always proving that he was the strongest man there.[1]
Origin of the stone put
[edit]
The throwing of a heavy 83.5 kg stone is a traditional event practiced at the Swiss cultural festival, the Unspunnenfest
As with most aspects of the Scottish Highland games, and Scottish Highlands culture generally, a certain amount of legend has grown around the origins and antiquity of the stone put.
Michael Brander, in his 1992 book Essential Guide to the Highland Games, reports on some of the stories concerning the stone put which have become traditional. He discusses what have become known to tradition as the "stones of strength" which were of two types. In one, the Clach Cuid Fir (or Manhood Stone), a very large stone of well over 100 lb is employed and the test is to be able to lift it to a certain height or place it on a wall.
In the other type, the Clach Neart (or Stone of Strength), a smaller stone, variable in weight, but around 20 or 30 lb, is employed. The object is to see how far the stone could be thrown or putted.
In addition to the Highland Games, throughout European history the stone put has been a popular form of exercise with records dating from Ancient Greece.[2] It was also a popular leisure activity in the medieval ages. The practice of heavy stone throwing also continues as part of Unspunnenfest, which is a traditional Swiss festival which dates from the 13th Century. It features the throwing of an 83 kg stone. The event, called the steinstossen, typically uses a two arm throwing style. Similar events also continue as part of cultural festivals found internationally, such as the Ohio Swiss Festival[3] and the German-American Festival, in addition to professional strength competitions such as the Arnold Strongman Classic.[4]
International events and variations
[edit]
The stone put features as a competitive strength event in numerous cultural festivals found internationally.
USA
[edit]Stone Mountain Highland Games
[edit]Features a weight throw involving the one armed put of a heavy stone. There are professional and amateur divisions, and divisions for men and women.[6]
U.S. National Highland Games
[edit]The Braemar stone event involves the putting of a 24 pound stone from standing.[7]
Phoenix Scottish Games
[edit]The 'Braemar Stone Put' event involves the putting of a heavy stone from standing. There is also an 'open stone' variation which allows movement in the throwing area, similar to an Olympic shot put.[8]
Scottish Highland Gathering and Games
[edit]This festival features heavy athletics involving two stone put[9] events: the Braemar stone put, featuring a 22 lb stone, and the open stone put featuring a 16 lb stone.[10]
Canada
[edit]Canmore Highland Games
[edit]This festival features a heavy sports event involving a stone put from standing. In 2023, the women's event was won by Siri Svensson.[11]
England
[edit]The Peak District Highland Games
[edit]'The Giant Stone Throw' involves the two-handed throw of a stone over the head from standing.[12] The thrower starts off facing the opposite direction to the throwing sector before crouching down to preload the throw, and then throwing the stone vigorously over their head behind them into the sector. The longest throw wins the contest.
Richmond Highland Games
[edit]The heavy athletics competition involves a Braemar event with a put from standing with a 19-28 lb stone. The feet are allowed to be reversed after the throw. There is also an open stone event involving a 16 lb stone and where taking an approach before the throw is allowed.[13]
France
[edit]Bressuire Highland Games
[edit]These games feature a light and heavy stone put. The light stone weighs 7.5 kg and the throw can be taken after a run up. The light stone is made out of granite taken from the Berson quarry in Largeasse, in 2003.[14] The heavy stone is 10 kg and thrown in the Braemar style, without a run up.[15]
Germany
[edit]International Highland Games Angelbachtal
[edit]Features a single arm stone throw for distance. The men's event uses a 7 kg stone and the women's event a 4 kg stone.[16]
World records
[edit]One-arm throws
[edit]Braemar Stone
[edit]- 13.5 kg (30 lb) – 11.65 metres (38 ft 3 in) by Pétur Guðmundsson
(2000)[17] - 12.5 kg (28 lb) – 12.47 metres (40 ft 11 in) by Pétur Guðmundsson (2000)[17]
- 10 kg (22 lb) – 15.45 metres (50 ft 8 in) by Burger Lambrechts Jr.
(2025)[17] - 9.1 kg (20 lb) – 17.37 metres (57 ft 0 in) by Geoff Capes
(1981)[17]
Open Stone
[edit]- 11.4 kg (25 lb) – 14.15 metres (46 ft 5 in) by Brian Oldfield
(1979)[17] - 9.1 kg (20 lb) – 16.33 metres (53 ft 7 in) by Paul Ferency (1985)[17]
- 7.7 kg (17 lb) – 19.23 metres (63 ft 1 in) by Brian Oldfield (1979)[17]
- 7.3 kg (16 lb) – 19.30 metres (63 ft 4 in) by Nick Kahanic (2013)[17]
Other
[edit]Heavy shot put:
- → These shots are significantly heavier than the Olympic shots which weigh 7.26 kg (16 lb)
- 15 kg (33 lb) – 8.67 metres (28 ft 5 in) by Oskar Ziółkowski
(2022)[17] - 14 kg (31 lb) – 10.07 metres (33 ft 0 in) by Krzysztof Radzikowski (2016)[17]
- 10 kg (22 lb) – 16.26 metres (53 ft 4 in) by Geoff Capes (1982)[17]
Both-arm throws
[edit]Steinstossen
[edit]- 83.5 kg (184 lb) – 4.11 metres (13 ft 6 in) by Markus Maire
(2004)[17]
Stone block throw
[edit]- 25 kg (55 lb) – 7.86 metres (25 ft 9 in) by Bill Kazmaier (1987)[17]
See also
[edit]- Ballistic training
- Lifting stone (Clach-ultaich)
- Steinstossen
- Shot put
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References
[edit]- ^ Peel, R (1984). 'Anecdotal Evidence' in the Burn's Chronicle No. 9. p. 74.
- ^ Homer (1846). Homer's Iliad. Vol. I. Translated by W. Munford. Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown. p. 179.
- ^ Dolph, Andrew (2021). "Steintossen at the Ohio Swiss Festival in Sugarcreek". Times Reporter. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ "2023 Arnold Strongman Classic". strongmanarchives.com. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ "Scottish Competition". 23rd Highland Games Sychrov. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Stone Mountain Highland Games". 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ Gamiz, April (2023). "A rainy Celtic Classic and Highland Games in Bethlehem". The Morning Call. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "Scottish Heavy Athletics Competitions". Phoenix Scottish Games. 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "Scottish Heavy Athletics". The Scottish Games. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "Pleasanton Scottish Games". The Scottish Games. 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ Thompson, Matthew (2023). "Getting heavy at the Canmore Highland Games". Rocky Mountain Outlook. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "Peak District Highland Games 2023". Visit Chesterfield Area. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Smithwicks Games Field - Heavy Athletics". Richmond Highland Games. 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Light stone". Highland Games. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Heavy stone". Highland Games. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Die Disziplinen der Mannschaften". International Highland Games Angelbachtal (in German). Steinstoßen. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "STRENGTH RECORD, Section 06 - Throwing". www.strengthrecord.com. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
Stone put
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Overview
Event Description
The stone put is a traditional throwing event in the Highland Games where competitors hurl a heavy, irregularly shaped stone for maximum distance using specific upper-body techniques.[1][9] The event emphasizes brute strength and balance, serving as one of the core heavy athletics competitions within these cultural gatherings.[10] The objective is to propel the stone as far as possible from a designated throwing position, either a fixed standing stance or with a limited approach, without crossing the trig—the front boundary line of the throwing area.[10][1] In basic mechanics, the competitor cradles the stone against the neck or shoulder and launches it forward with one hand.[10] The two primary styles are the Open stone put, allowing a short run-up, and the Braemar stone put, performed from a stationary stance; the stone, typically weighing 16–20 pounds (7–9 kg) for Open men's events and 20–28 pounds (9–13 kg) for Braemar men's events (with lighter weights for women), must remain in contact with the upper body until release to ensure a valid put.[9][10] This event bears resemblance to the modern Olympic shot put but employs a natural, non-spherical stone rather than a uniform metal shot, prioritizing raw power and adaptation to the stone's irregular shape over polished rotational form.[9] For elite throwers, typical distances range from 10 to 20 meters, with longer throws achieved in open-style events allowing an approach.[11][2]Role in Highland Games
The Highland Games are traditional Scottish athletic festivals that originated as clan gatherings and military exercises, where participants demonstrated physical prowess through various strength-based competitions. These events, held annually from spring to summer, feature a range of "heavy events" including the stone put, caber toss, and hammer throw, which emphasize raw power and skill in a celebratory atmosphere of music, dance, and community.[12][13] Within the Highland Games, the stone put serves as a core heavy event that specifically tests competitors' upper-body strength and throwing technique, requiring athletes to hurl a large stone for maximum distance either from a standing position or with a preliminary step. It is typically positioned early in the competition lineup to set the tone for subsequent events, allowing participants to gauge their form and energy levels.[1][13] Culturally, the stone put symbolizes ancient feats of strength rooted in practical necessities such as warfare preparations or construction tasks in Scotland's rugged terrain, evoking the resilience of Highland clans. By preserving and showcasing these traditions, the event plays a vital role in promoting Scottish heritage on a global scale, with Highland Games now held in over 260 locations worldwide, including major gatherings in the United States and Canada.[1][14][12] Participation in the stone put spans amateur to professional levels, with dedicated categories for men, women, and masters (typically athletes over 40 or 50 years old), ensuring inclusivity across genders and ages. The Games have evolved from localized clan tests of endurance into international spectacles that draw thousands of spectators, where officials and athletes often don traditional kilts and tartans to honor cultural authenticity during judging and performances.[12][13][14]History
Ancient and Early Origins
The practice of stone throwing as a test of strength has roots in ancient Greek culture, where it featured in mythological narratives and informal athletic contests predating the formal Olympic Games. A notable archaeological example is the Stone of Bybon from Olympia, dating to the early 6th century BCE, where an inscription records that Bybon, son of Pholos, "threw this over his head with one hand," referring to a 143.5 kg sandstone block lifted overhead in a feat of strength.[15] While not part of the official ancient Olympics starting in 776 BCE—which included stone discus precursors—stone throwing served as a military and festival exercise to build arm strength and endurance among athletes and warriors.[16] Roman military traditions further developed stone throwing as a conditioning tool for soldiers, emphasizing practical combat readiness. In the 4th-century CE text De Re Militari by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus, recruits were instructed to throw stones by hand, a method preferred over slings for its simplicity and effectiveness in strengthening the throwing arm without additional equipment.[17] This training, part of broader drills including javelin work and weighted sword practice, prepared legionaries for siege warfare and close-quarters engagements where improvised stone projectiles could be vital.[17] Such exercises were routine in Roman camps, conducted in mornings and afternoons for younger troops, fostering the physical resilience needed for extended campaigns across the empire. In medieval Europe, particularly Britain and Ireland, stone throwing persisted in peasant festivals and harvest rituals as informal strength contests using local river stones for distance. These events, often tied to community gatherings or recruitment for local militias, echoed ancient practices and provided opportunities for laborers to demonstrate vitality during seasonal celebrations.[18] By the 11th to 13th centuries, this tradition transitioned into Scottish Highland clan practices, where chieftains employed "putting the stone" to evaluate warriors' prowess at gatherings, using large boulders to select fighters for battles or disputes.[19] King Malcolm III (r. 1058–1093) reportedly incorporated such strength trials into royal assemblies, laying early groundwork for organized Highland athletic displays.[19]Development in Scottish and Modern Contexts
The stone put event experienced significant formalization in Scotland during the early 19th century, coinciding with the revival of Highland Games as organized cultural and athletic gatherings. These games were reestablished to promote Scottish traditions following the decline after the Jacobite risings, with early events emphasizing traditional heavy athletics like the stone put. Gatherings in regions such as Perthshire under the patronage of local lairds, including the Campbell family, featured stone putting as a core competition, helping to standardize its practice within communities.[20] Key milestones marked the event's integration into broader Scottish sporting culture. The first modern Highland Games at Inverness in 1822 included stone put among the heavy events, drawing crowds to a field near the city and setting a template for future competitions with structured rules and prizes.[21] During the Victorian era, the stone put gained popularity within the British military, where Highland regiments incorporated it into regimental sports and training exercises to foster strength and camaraderie among soldiers, contributing to its spread across the United Kingdom.[22] The stone put also influenced the development of the modern shot put, with athletes transitioning from irregular stones and cannonballs to standardized metal shots; the event was included in the first modern Olympics in 1896 as the shot put.[3] The 20th century saw the stone put's dissemination through Scottish emigration, particularly to North America. Highland Games featuring the event emerged in Nova Scotia by the 1860s, with the Antigonish Highland Games established in 1863 as one of the earliest, organized by Scottish settlers to preserve cultural practices amid diaspora communities. Post-World War II, the event experienced renewed growth in the United States and Canada, driven by the Scottish diaspora's efforts to maintain heritage amid post-war cultural revitalization, leading to dozens of annual games by the mid-20th century.[23] Modern adaptations have broadened the stone put's accessibility and professionalism. Gender inclusivity advanced in the 1970s, with women's divisions introduced in major North American Highland Games, using lighter stones (typically 8-12 pounds) to parallel men's events and encourage female participation in heavy athletics. Professional circuits formalized in the late 20th century, exemplified by the North American Scottish Games Association (NASGA), founded in 1976 to promote standardized heavy events including stone put across the continent.[24] Ongoing challenges include debates over standardization, particularly regarding stone shapes—traditional irregular fieldstones versus modern spherical replicas. Proponents of replicas argue for consistency in weight and grip to ensure fair competition, while traditionalists emphasize historical authenticity, leading to varied rules across games but no universal resolution.[25]Rules and Equipment
General Rules
In stone put competitions, the throwing area consists of a wooden trig—a raised platform typically measuring 4 feet 6 inches in length and 6 inches in height and width—positioned at the front of a designated box or winged sector marked on the ground, usually grass. The sector extends 7 feet 6 inches behind the trig, with sidelines either parallel (forming a rectangular box 4 feet 6 inches wide) or angled at 45 degrees (forming wings up to 6 feet 9 inches apart at the backline), ensuring competitors remain within bounds during the throw.[26][27][10] The athlete must keep at least one foot in contact with the throwing area until the stone is released, and the stone must be held against the neck or shoulder with one hand throughout the motion.[26][10] Competitors are allotted three attempts per event, with the farthest valid throw determining the result; in some formats, additional throws may occur in finals, but the standard is three. Measurement is taken from the inner edge of the trig's front face (or the center for winged configurations) to the nearest mark made by the stone in the ground upon landing, recorded to the nearest quarter-inch or half-inch below the actual distance, ensuring precision in grassy fields.[26][27][10] Fouls are called if the competitor steps beyond the throwing sector, touches the ground outside the bounds (except on the trig's forward face), or fails to maintain control of the stone, such as dropping it prematurely before release. Additional fouls include any body part contacting the trig improperly or exceeding time limits, typically two minutes per attempt.[26][10] Judges have discretion to declare a foul based on observed lack of control or safety violations.[26] Safety measures prioritize participant and spectator protection, with the throwing area roped off or enclosed by a netted cage to contain errant throws, and judges empowered to disqualify athletes posing risks.[26][27] Categories are divided by gender, age, and sometimes weight classes to ensure fair competition, with no coaching permitted during the throwing process to maintain integrity.[10] Officiating falls under organizations such as the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA) or the North American Scottish Games Association (NASGA), where judges verify compliance and resolve disputes. Ties are broken by the competitor's second-best throw, or by sudden-death additional attempts if necessary.[26][27]Stones and Throwing Implements
In the stone put event of the Highland Games, traditional throwing implements consist of naturally sourced boulders, typically irregular in shape and gathered from local rivers, fields, or quarries rather than being perfectly spherical like Olympic shot puts. These stones emphasize raw, uneven grips that test an athlete's strength and technique, with weights generally ranging from 16 to 28 pounds (7.3 to 12.7 kg) for men and 8 to 18 pounds (3.6 to 8.2 kg) for women, depending on the competition class and regional variations.[28][29] Specific variations dictate distinct specifications for the stones. The Braemar stone, the heavier and more traditional variant, often uses granite or similar dense material weighing 20 to 28 pounds (9.1 to 12.7 kg) for men and 13 to 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2 kg) for women, prioritizing a static, no-approach throw that highlights explosive power from a standstill. In contrast, the Open stone is lighter at 16 to 22 pounds (7.3 to 10 kg) for men and 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg) for women, frequently smoother-surfaced to accommodate a preliminary run-up, allowing for greater distance potential.[30][31][32] For consistency and fairness in professional and sanctioned events, modern replicas have largely replaced purely natural stones, crafted from molded concrete or urethane to replicate the size, weight, and texture of traditional boulders while ensuring uniformity across competitions. These engineered implements, such as those with a 155 mm diameter shell filled to precise weights, are particularly common indoors or in high-level meets to minimize variability and damage risks. Governing bodies mandate that stones remain as close to spherical as possible while retaining an authentic, non-metallic composition.[33][31] Athletes enhance their grip on these implements using chalk or similar drying agents applied to the hands and neck, as the event's rules explicitly prohibit gloves to preserve the traditional challenge of bare-handed control. At games, stones are transported between venues or events using sturdy bags or wheeled carts to handle their bulk and prevent wear.[31][34] The evolution of these implements reflects a shift from entirely natural, site-specific boulders used in early Highland Games prior to the 1900s—often varying significantly in shape and weight—to more standardized versions promoted by athletic associations since the late 20th century, ensuring equitable competition while honoring historical roots.[9][26]Techniques
One-Handed Throwing Methods
In one-handed stone put events, prevalent in Scottish Highland Games, the athlete cradles the stone in the throwing hand against the neck or shoulder, maintaining contact until release to ensure a controlled push rather than a free throw.[35] The feet are positioned shoulder-width apart for balance, with knees slightly bent to lower the center of gravity and prepare for explosive upward force; this setup promotes stability while allowing the non-throwing arm to act as a counterbalance.[36] The power phase begins with an explosive drive from the hips and legs, transferring energy through the core to the shoulder and arm in a sequential kinetic chain that maximizes velocity.[37] As the hips rotate and extend, the shoulder follows with a forceful extension, culminating in the release of the stone at approximately a 45-degree angle to optimize trajectory and distance while minimizing drag.[36] This phase emphasizes rapid force production from the ground up, preventing loss of balance by keeping the non-throwing foot grounded initially. Common methods include the static crouch, suitable for beginners and mandatory in Braemar-style throws, where the athlete remains stationary and generates power solely from leg extension and upper-body torque without any approach.[35] Advanced competitors often employ a rotational twist, incorporating a subtle core rotation to add torque and increase throwing speed, particularly in open-style events that permit preliminary movements.[36] Training drills for one-handed stone put focus on simulating the event's demands through medicine ball throws, which replicate the cradled release and build explosive power in the kinetic chain.[38] Plyometric exercises, such as trap bar jumps, enhance lower-body explosiveness and rhythm, while strict overhead presses strengthen shoulder mobility and stability to reduce injury risk during repetitive neck-held loads.[38] Hang snatches further develop the full-body coordination needed for efficient energy transfer.[38] Biomechanically, the technique relies on the kinetic chain's sequential activation—from leg drive through pelvic rotation, trunk stabilization, and arm extension—to achieve peak velocity without compromising balance or joint integrity.[37] This chain ensures that ground reaction forces are efficiently propagated upward, with emphasis on shoulder girdle strength to handle the unilateral load and prevent compensatory strains.[37]Two-Handed Throwing Methods
In two-handed throwing methods, commonly featured in continental European variations like Steinstossen, athletes utilize both arms to propel a heavy stone, prioritizing synchronized coordination between the upper and lower body to generate explosive momentum. This approach contrasts with unilateral techniques by distributing force bilaterally, reducing the risk of muscular asymmetry and enhancing overall stability during the throw.[39][40] The setup begins with the athlete gripping the stone—often weighing 80-85 kg in elite competitions—with both hands at chest or waist level to facilitate an initial lift. A wider stance is adopted for balance, positioning the feet shoulder-width or broader to accommodate the subsequent overhead positioning and run-up. Once elevated above the head, the stone is held with arms extended, preparing for the dynamic phase.[39][40] During the power phase, the thrower executes a short run-up of approximately 12 meters to build speed, culminating in a planted foot at the throwing circle's edge. This transitions into an overhead lift and explosive push, where synchronized arm extension combines with a leg drive—often involving a jump—to release the stone forward. The motion emphasizes a clean overhead trajectory rather than an underhand swing, maximizing distance through integrated hip and shoulder rotation.[39][40] Key elements include bilateral force distribution across both arms and legs to maintain symmetry and prevent torque imbalances, which could lead to fouls or reduced power. A controlled run-up is essential for momentum, typically ending with a precise landing to avoid overstepping the throwing line, ensuring the throw's validity while optimizing release height and angle.[39][40] Training focuses on building explosive power and coordination through progressive drills with lighter stones, starting from static overhead holds to dynamic run-ups, emphasizing grip strength, balance, and timing to replicate competition demands. Athletes often incorporate resistance exercises like two-arm presses to simulate the bilateral load, alongside run-up practice to refine footwork and release synchronization. This method underscores greater body-wide coordination compared to one-handed approaches, which rely more on dominant-arm isolation.[39][41]Variations
Braemar Stone
The Braemar Stone is a variation of the stone put in Scottish Highland Games, named for its prominence at the Braemar Gathering, one of the oldest and most prestigious events in the tradition. This event requires a standing throw with no approach or preliminary steps allowed, emphasizing a static position from which the competitor uses one hand to propel the stone. The stone, typically weighing 22 to 28 pounds for men and 13 to 18 pounds for women, must remain in contact with the neck or shoulder throughout the movement until release.[31][9] Unique to the Braemar Stone, fouls occur if the stone drops below the shoulder, shifts behind the line of the shoulders, or fails to stay against the neck prior to release, ensuring the throw relies strictly on upper-body mechanics without momentum from footwork. Any throwing style is permitted as long as it is deemed safe by officials, but the prohibition on movement demands adaptations from general one-handed techniques, such as enhanced leg drive and core stability to generate force from a fixed stance. This format tests pure explosive power rather than speed or agility, distinguishing it from dynamic variations.[26][35] The Braemar Stone is a staple in Scottish Highland Games, particularly at major UK events like the annual Braemar Gathering, where it draws crowds for its display of raw strength. Elite competitors typically achieve distances of 10 to 15 meters, shorter than those in run-up styles due to the heavier load and restricted motion, highlighting the event's focus on unassisted power over technique-aided distance.[42][43]Open Stone
The Open Stone is a dynamic variation of the stone put event in Highland Games, characterized by its allowance for a run-up approach using either a glide or rotational style, enabling athletes to generate greater momentum compared to stationary throws. Unlike the Braemar Stone, which emphasizes raw power from a fixed position, the Open Stone employs a lighter spherical stone weighing 16 to 22 pounds (7.2 to 10 kg) for men and 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg) for women, positioned against the neck in one hand prior to release.[35][44] Unique rules govern the event to ensure fairness and safety: competitors may take up to three steps within a designated approach area measuring 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) in length by 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 m) in width, with at least one foot remaining behind the trig line—a marked front boundary—until the stone is released; the stone must not contact the ground before leaving the athlete's hand, and athletes receive three attempts, with the farthest valid throw measured from the trig's center to the stone's nearest edge upon landing.[35][44] Variations in run-up length can occur depending on the sanctioning body, such as the North American Scottish Games Association (NASGA) or Scottish Heavy Athletics, to accommodate different venues while maintaining core standards.[26][45] Technique adaptations in the Open Stone incorporate a track-like approach to build speed and explosive power, often drawing from modern shot put methods such as the glide—where the athlete slides linearly across the approach—or the rotational spin, involving a pivoting turn to accelerate the body before the put. These styles prioritize a coordinated leg drive and hip extension at release to maximize distance, with the stone cradled in the throwing hand against the neck throughout the motion for stability.[44][36] This variation holds particular popularity in North American Highland Games, where it dominates as the preferred stone event due to its emphasis on athletic versatility and longer achievable distances, with elite male throwers reaching up to 18 meters (approximately 59 feet) under optimal conditions.[26][46] The Open Stone evolved as a more accessible adaptation of traditional stone putting during the 20th century, influenced by the standardization of Highland Games in North America and the integration of Olympic-style throwing techniques to broaden participation beyond brute strength tests.[47][48]Steinstossen
Steinstossen is a traditional stone throwing discipline originating in the Alpine regions of Switzerland, where it has been practiced for centuries as a test of strength and skill among rural communities. Documented as early as the 13th century and formalized in competitive settings by the 15th century during events like the Eidgenössische Schützenfeste, it represents a core element of Swiss cultural heritage, often featured alongside other national sports such as Schwingen (Swiss wrestling) and Hornussen.[39] The sport embodies the physical demands of alpine life, with its emphasis on raw power and coordination, and remains a staple at folk festivals that celebrate Swiss traditions.[39] Steinstossen involves throwing a heavy stone overhead using both arms for maximum distance, typically after a short run-up on a 6.1-meter runway into a sand pit, differentiating it from one-handed shoulder puts. The stones vary significantly by event and category: the iconic Unspunnen stone weighs 83.5 kg (184 lb), while lighter variations in local or international competitions range from 34 kg for women to 84 kg for men in strongman events. The distance is measured to the stone's landing point, with fouls for stepping beyond the throwing line or improper form; throws are executed from a standing start or with the allowed approach depending on the ruleset.[49] The technique emphasizes lifting the stone to shoulder height and delivering an explosive overhead push with synchronized arm and body extension, prioritizing full-body power over rotational momentum. This method suits the heavy implements, resulting in shorter distances compared to lighter stone events. Precision in alignment and release is key to achieving optimal trajectory.[50] Steinstossen has influenced global strength sports, appearing in international strongman competitions like the Arnold Strongman Classic, where heavier stones test elite athletes' power, with throws typically reaching 3 to 5 meters in traditional formats and slightly farther in adapted modern events as of 2025.[51]International Competitions
North American Events
In the United States, stone put competitions are prominently featured within the broader framework of Highland Games, with the U.S. National Highland Games Championship serving as a key annual event since the late 1990s, hosted by the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.[52] Regional circuits, such as those in the Southeast (including events in Savannah and Charleston) and the Pacific Northwest (centered around the longstanding Seattle Scottish Highland Games, established in 1923), contribute to a vibrant schedule of over 150 annual gatherings nationwide.[53][54] These competitions emphasize both Braemar and Open stone variations, drawing athletes who qualify through seasonal point systems.[55] In Canada, stone put events thrive in Scottish heritage festivals, with the Antigonish Highland Games in Nova Scotia standing as the flagship since 1864, recognized as the oldest continuously running Highland Games outside Scotland.[56] Ontario hosts notable gatherings like the Fergus Scottish Festival and Glengarry Highland Games, often incorporating pro-am formats that allow professional and amateur athletes to compete side-by-side, fostering skill development and community engagement.[57][58] The North American Scottish Games Association (NASGA), founded in 1976, plays a central role in standardizing rules for stone put and other heavy events across the continent, ensuring consistency in stone weights (typically 16-28 pounds) and throwing techniques while maintaining a database of results and athlete rankings.[24] Approximately 5,000 athletes participate yearly in these sanctioned events, reflecting the sport's widespread appeal among Scottish diaspora communities.[59] North American stone put venues often feature expansive fields that particularly suit the Open Stone style, enabling preliminary run-ups for greater distance, unlike the more static Braemar throws common in tighter European settings. Professional divisions offer significant incentives at major championships.[60] Recent trends include the rapid expansion of women's divisions, with participation surging from 201 competitors in 2009 to 702 in 2019, supported by dedicated categories and all-women's championships that challenge traditional gender norms.[61]European Events
In the United Kingdom, the Braemar Gathering stands as one of the most prominent stone put events, held annually since 1832 in the village of Braemar, Scotland, and renowned for its royal patronage that began with Queen Victoria's attendance in 1848, a tradition continued by subsequent monarchs including King Charles III as current patron.[43][62] The event features both Braemar and open stone variations, emphasizing traditional techniques amid Highland cultural displays. English events, such as the Peak District Highland Games at Matlock Farm Park in Derbyshire, incorporate Braemar stone throws as a core competition, drawing on Scottish heritage while adapting to local landscapes since their inception in the early 2010s.[63] Across continental Europe, Germany's International Highland Games Angelbachtal, hosted in the Schlosspark Eichtersheim since 2009, integrates stone put alongside other heavy events, attracting international competitors and fostering a blend of Scottish and local traditions over its annual three-day format.[64] In France, the Bressuire Highland Games, established in 2003 at the medieval Château de Bressuire, feature stone put competitions influenced by the Swiss Steinstossen style, with events sanctioned by international bodies and including open international categories for men and women.[65] Switzerland's historic Steinstossen festivals, originating with the Unspunnenfest in 1805 near Interlaken, represent the roots of stone throwing as a national sport, where participants hurl heavy granite blocks in a manner predating modern Highland Games adaptations.[39][66] The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA), founded in 1947, oversees UK events including stone put competitions, coordinating over 60 annual gatherings to preserve authenticity and promote participation.[67] On a broader scale, the International Highland Games Federation (IHGF), established in 2001, facilitates cross-border European events through standardized rules and championships, such as those at Bressuire, to unify traditions across the continent.[68] European stone put events distinguish themselves through cultural pageantry, featuring pipe bands, tartan-clad participants, and folk performances that enhance the competitive intensity of smaller fields, often with 20-50 athletes per category compared to larger North American spectacles. Major gatherings like Braemar draw annual attendances exceeding 15,000, underscoring their role in sustaining heritage amid intimate, high-stakes atmospheres.[69]World Records
One-Handed Records
In the one-handed stone put events of Highland Games, world records are categorized by style—Braemar (standing throw with no approach) and Open (with approach allowed)—and by stone weight, reflecting the sport's emphasis on power and technique under standardized conditions. These records represent the farthest verified distances achieved in sanctioned competitions, primarily using stones between 9 and 22 pounds for men and lighter equivalents for women. Achievements are documented by authoritative bodies tracking heavy events across North America and internationally.[8] Current world records, as maintained by Highland Games record compilations (latest updates as of 2013), highlight dominant performances from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The following table summarizes key men's and women's records for light and heavy variants in each style:| Style | Category | Athlete | Distance | Stone Weight | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open (Light) | Men | Nick Kahanic | 63 ft 3.75 in (19.30 m) | 16 lb | 2013 | Amherst, NY |
| Open (Light) | Women | Connie Price-Smith | 55 ft 9.5 in (16.99 m) | 9 lb | 1998 | Las Vegas, NV |
| Open (Heavy) | Men | Paul Ferency | 53 ft 7 in (16.33 m) | 20 lb | 1985 | Litchfield, CT |
| Open (Heavy) | Women | Shannon Hartnett | 44 ft 2 in (13.46 m) | 14 lb | 2000 | Callander, Scotland |
| Braemar (Standing) | Men | Geoff Capes | 57 ft 0 in (17.37 m) | 20 lb | 1981 | Not specified |
| Braemar (Standing) | Women | Connie Price-Smith | 45 ft 6 in (13.87 m) | 13.68 lb | 1998 | Las Vegas, NV |