Hubbry Logo
Weight throwWeight throwMain
Open search
Weight throw
Community hub
Weight throw
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Weight throw
Weight throw
Weight throw
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Weight throw (Highland games version) at 2002 Celtic Festival

Weight throw (or Weight for distance) is a traditional strength sport and throwing event derived from ancient Scottish Highland games. Unlike its other counterpart, the Weight over bar which involves a stationary pendulum like swing for height, the Weight throw involves a full body rotation and throwing of a metal ball attached to a handle via a chain, for the furthest distance. It has been used both in Highland games (Scottish Gaelic: caitheamh cuideam) as well as in track and field.

Highland games version permits the use of only one hand, and the athletes are required to rotate and throw under two disciplines: either 12.5 kg (28 lb) (light version/ light weight) or 25.5 kg (56 lb) (heavy version/ heavy weight), both for distance. For women, the weights differ, with 6.5 kg (14 lb) for light weight and 12.5 kg (28 lb) for heavy weight, while for masters and junior men categories, the weight commonly used is 19 kg (42 lb).

In the track and field version (which is most popular in the United States as an indoor equivalent to the hammer throw), the athletes are permitted to use both hands and the athletes are required to rotate and throw 16 kg (35 lb) for men and 9 kg (20 lb) for women for distance. However, it is not recognized by World Athletics, despite being included twice in 1904 and 1920 Olympic games.

Highland games version

[edit]
An athlete releasing the weight during the Weight throw event at Austin Celtic festival Highland games.

In the Highland Games, the weight throw consists of two separate events, the light weight and the heavy weight. In both cases, the implement consists of a steel or lead weight (usually spherical or cylindrical) attached by a short chain to a metal handle. The handle may be a d-ring, a triangle or a ring. The size of the weight depends on the class of the competition.

For open class male athletes, the light weight is 28 lb, or two stone (12.7 kg). The heavy weight is 56 lb, or four stone (25.4 kg). For male master class or senior athletes, the weights are 28 and 42 lb (13 and 19 kg). For all female athletes, the weights are 14 and 28 lb (6.4 and 12.7 kg) for the light and heavy versions, respectively. Athletics Ireland also recognizes 35 lb (15.9 kg) as the weight for men below 18 years.[1][2][3]

The weight is thrown from a rectangular (4.5 feet by 9 feet) area behind a toe board or trig. The athlete must stay behind the trig at all times during the throw. The techniques vary, but usually involve a turning or spinning motion to increase momentum before the release. Each athlete gets three attempts, with places determined by the best throw.

World records

[edit]
  • Light weight 12.5 kg (28 lb) for 29.76 metres (97 ft 8 in) by Spencer Tyler United States (2019 US Invitational Pleasanton)[4]
  • Heavy weight 25.5 kg (56 lb) for 15.62 metres (51 ft 3 in) by Spencer Tyler United States (2019 New Hampshire Highland Games)[4]
→ Having broken the two records a combined seven times (four times with the light weight and three times with the heavy weight), Tyler is widely regarded as the undisputed greatest of all time at this event. Some other all-time greats of the two disciplines who have held both records are Francis Brebner, Hamish Davidson and Bill Anderson.[5]

Progression of the world records

[edit]

Light weight 12.5 kg (28 lb)

[edit]
Distance Holder Year Location
26.56 metres (87 ft 2 in) Scotland Bill Anderson 1966 Crieff, Scotland
27.08 metres (88 ft 10 in) Scotland Hamish Davidson 1978 (To be confirmed)
27.74 metres (91 ft 0 in) England Geoff Capes 1983 Drumtochty, Scotland
28.65 metres (94 ft 0 in) England Geoff Capes 1987 Kilbirnie, Scotland
28.67 metres (94 ft 1 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1996 Anne Arundel, Maryland, USA
28.81 metres (94 ft 6 in) Australia Matt Sandford 1999 Estes Park, Colorado, USA
29.21 metres (95 ft 10 in) Scotland Gregor Edmunds 2011 Markinch, Scotland
29.29 metres (96 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2018 Topeka, Kansas, USA
29.42 metres (96 ft 6 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2018 (To be confirmed)
29.58 metres (97 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2019 Long Beach, California, USA
29.76 metres (97 ft 8 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2019 Pleasanton, California, USA

Heavy weight 25.5 kg (56 lb)

[edit]
Distance Holder Year Location
12.77 metres (41 ft 11 in) Scotland Bill Anderson 1969 Aboyne, Scotland
13.28 metres (43 ft 7 in) Scotland Hamish Davidson 1981 (To be confirmed)
13.30 metres (43 ft 8 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1990 Tomintoul, Scotland
13.34 metres (43 ft 9 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1991 Dufftown, Scotland
13.95 metres (45 ft 9 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1992 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.28 metres (46 ft 10 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1993 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.45 metres (47 ft 5 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1996 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.58 metres (47 ft 10 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1998 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.63 metres (48 ft 0 in) United States Karl Dodge 1998 Kiowa, Colorado, USA
14.65 metres (48 ft 1 in) Scotland Francis Brebner 1999 Tomintoul, Scotland
14.88 metres (48 ft 10 in) United States Ryan Vierra 2002 Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
14.99 metres (49 ft 2 in) United States Ryan Vierra 2005 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
15.14 metres (49 ft 8 in) United States Eric Frasure 2005 Huntersville, North Carolina, USA
15.19 metres (49 ft 10 in) United States Eric Frasure 2008 Portland, Oregon, USA
15.27 metres (50 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2016 Portland, Oregon, USA
15.58 metres (51 ft 1 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2018 Columbus, Ohio, USA
15.62 metres (51 ft 3 in) United States Spencer Tyler 2019 Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA

Track and field version

[edit]
John Flannigan throwing the 56-pound weight at the 1904 Olympics.

The Weight throw has been featured twice under the name of '56 pound weight throw' at the Olympic Games.

First was in 1904 Summer Olympics held in St. Louis, and then in 1920 Summer Olympics held in Antwerp. Étienne Desmarteau and Pat McDonald emerged champions respectively.

Furthest throws in history

[edit]

Key:

  • O = Outdoor performance
  • A = affected by altitude

Men

[edit]
Rank Result Athlete Nationality Date Place Ref
1 26.35 m (86 ft 5+1⁄4 in) A Daniel Haugh  United States 16 February 2024 Albuquerque [6]
2 25.86 m (84 ft 10 in) Lance Deal  United States 4 March 1995 Atlanta
3 25.68 m (84 ft 3 in) Libor Charfreitag  Slovakia 5 March 2005 Sterling
4 25.58 m (83 ft 11 in) Michael Lihrman  United States 28 February 2015 Geneva
5 25.31 m (83 ft 1⁄4 in) A Conor McCullough  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [7]
6 25.18 m (82 ft 7+1⁄4 in) A. G. Kruger  United States 20 January 2012 Findlay
7 25.17 m (82 ft 6+3⁄4 in) O Jüri Tamm  Estonia 11 July 1992 Mäntyharju [8]
8 25.12 m (82 ft 4+3⁄4 in) Kibwé Johnson  United States 24 February 2008 Boston
9 25.08 m (82 ft 3+1⁄4 in) Daniel Reynolds  United States 14 March 2025 Virginia Beach [9]
10 24.72 m (81 ft 1 in) Scott Russell  Canada 8 February 2002 Ames
11 24.60 m (80 ft 8+1⁄2 in) A Daniel Roberts  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [7]
12 24.49 m (80 ft 4 in) Trey Knight  United States 14 March 2025 Virginia Beach [9]
13 24.48 m (80 ft 3+3⁄4 in) Jake Freeman  United States 12 February 2009 Riverdale
Ryan Johnson  United States 14 March 2025 Virginia Beach [9]
15 24.46 m (80 ft 2+3⁄4 in) Thomas Mardal  Norway 11 March 2021 Fayetteville [10]
16 24.45 m (80 ft 2+1⁄2 in) A Israel Oloyede  United States 22 January 2022 Albuquerque [11]
17 24.43 m (80 ft 1+3⁄4 in) Andras Haklits  Croatia 9 March 2001 Fayetteville [12]
18 24.42 m (80 ft 1+1⁄4 in) A Alex Young  United States 14 February 2020 Albuquerque [7]
19 24.41 m (80 ft 1 in) A Isaiah Rogers  United States 16 February 2024 Albuquerque [13]
20 24.40 m (80 ft 1⁄2 in) Garland Porter  United States 4 February 2011 Findlay
21 24.39 m (80 ft 0 in) Chukwuebuka Enekwechi  Nigeria 13 February 2015 West Lafayette
Jud Logan  United States 28 February 1992 Princeton
Kenneth Ikeji  Great Britain 24 February 2024 Cambridge [14]
24 24.38 m (79 ft 11+3⁄4 in) A O Cory Martin  United States 27 February 2010 Albuquerque
24.38 m (79 ft 11+3⁄4 in) Gleb Dudarev  Belarus 23 January 2020 Lawrence
Notes
[edit]

Below is a list of additional performances (excluding ancillary throws) equal or superior to 24.48 m:

  • Lance Deal also threw 25.48 m (83 ft 7 in) (1996), 25.41 m (83 ft 4+1⁄4 in) (1991), 24.90 m (81 ft 8+1⁄4 in) (1995), 24.84 m (81 ft 5+3⁄4 in) (1993) and 24.82 m (81 ft 5 in) (1993).
  • Daniel Haugh also threw 25.44 m (83 ft 5+1⁄2 in) A (2023), 25.04 m (82 ft 1+3⁄4 in) A (2020), 24.93 m (81 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2022), 24.70 m (81 ft 1⁄4 in) (2020).
  • Libor Charfreitag also threw 25.28 m (82 ft 11+1⁄4 in) (2005), 25.26 m (82 ft 10+1⁄4 in) (2008), 25.03 m (82 ft 1+1⁄4 in) (2003), 24.88 m (81 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2011), 24.86 m (81 ft 6+1⁄2 in) (2003) and 24.68 m (80 ft 11+1⁄2 in) (2005).
  • Kibwé Johnson also threw 25.08 m (82 ft 3+1⁄4 in) (2007).
  • Alfred Kruger also threw 24.99 m (81 ft 11+3⁄4 in) (2010), 24.78 m (81 ft 3+1⁄2 in) (2007) and 24.68 m (80 ft 11+1⁄2 in) (2012).
  • Mike Lihrman also threw 24.91 m (81 ft 8+1⁄2 in) (2015).
  • Conor McCullough also threw 24.48 m (80 ft 3+3⁄4 in) (2018).

Women

[edit]
Rank Result Athlete Nationality Date Place Ref
1 26.02 m (85 ft 4+1⁄4 in) A DeAnna Price  United States 17 February 2023 Albuquerque [15]
2 25.73 m (84 ft 4+3⁄4 in) A Erin Reese  United States 17 February 2024 Albuquerque [16]
3 25.60 m (83 ft 11+3⁄4 in) A Gwen Berry  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque [17]
25.60 m (83 ft 11+3⁄4 in) Janeah Stewart  United States 21 January 2023 Nashville [18]
5 25.56 m (83 ft 10+1⁄4 in) Brittany Riley  United States 10 March 2007 Fayetteville
6 25.55 m (83 ft 9+3⁄4 in) Shey Taiwo  United States 11 March 2022 Birmingham [19]
7 25.32 m (83 ft 3⁄4 in) Oyesade Olatoye  Nigeria 10 February 2023 Nashville [20]
8 25.19 m (82 ft 7+1⁄2 in) Rachel Tanczos  United States 3 February 2024 Notre Dame [21]
9 25.07 m (82 ft 3 in) A Brooke Andersen  United States 4 February 2023 State College
10 24.94 m (81 ft 9+3⁄4 in) Jasmine Mitchell  United States 11 March 2022 Birmingham [19]
11 24.80 m (81 ft 4+1⁄4 in) Jalani Davis  United States 7 March 2024 Boston [22]
12 24.78 m (81 ft 3+1⁄2 in) A Amber Campbell  United States 25 February 2012 Albuquerque
24.78 m (81 ft 3+1⁄2 in) Annette Echikunwoke  United States 16 February 2018 Columbus [23]
14 24.46 m (80 ft 2+3⁄4 in) Erin Gilreath  United States 25 February 2005 Boston
15 24.37 m (79 ft 11+1⁄4 in) Kaitlyn Long  United States 24 February 2018 Geneva [24]
16 24.24 m (79 ft 6+1⁄4 in) Jeneva Stevens  United States 19 January 2018 Nashville [25]
17 24.22 m (79 ft 5+1⁄2 in) A Felisha Johnson  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque
24.22 m (79 ft 5+1⁄2 in) Annie Nabwe  United States 28 February 2025 Indianapolis [26]
19 24.21 m (79 ft 5 in) Candice Scott  Trinidad and Tobago 27 February 2005 Fayetteville
20 24.06 m (78 ft 11 in) Stamatía Skarvélis  Greece 23 February 2019 Fayetteville [27]
Camryn Rogers  Canada 11 March 2022 Birmingham [19]
22 24.05 m (78 ft 10+3⁄4 in) Janee' Kasanavoid  United States 21 January 2022 Manhattan
23 24.04 m (78 ft 10+1⁄4 in) Jennifer Dahlgren  Argentina 10 March 2006 Fayetteville
24.04 m (78 ft 10+1⁄4 in) A Jessica Ramsey  United States 4 March 2017 Albuquerque
25 23.83 m (78 ft 2 in) Elisia Lancaster  United States 19 January 2024 Bloomington [28]
Notes
[edit]

Below is a list of additional (indoor) performances (excluding ancillary throws) equal or superior to 24.20 m:

  • Gwen Berry also threw 25.27 m (82 ft 10+3⁄4 in) (2018), 24.85 m (81 ft 6+1⁄4 in) (2018), 24.77 m (81 ft 3 in) (2017), 24.70 m (81 ft 1⁄4 in) (2013), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2016) and 24.39 m (80 ft 0 in) (2014).
  • Brittany Riley also threw 25.34 m (83 ft 1+1⁄2 in) (2008), 25.12 m (82 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2012), 24.57 m (80 ft 7+1⁄4 in) (2007) and 24.35 m (79 ft 10+1⁄2 in) (2012).
  • Shey Taiwo also threw 25.19 m (82 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2022).
  • Janeah Stewart also threw 25.08 m (82 ft 3+1⁄4 in) (2019), 25.05 m (82 ft 2 in) (2020), 24.82 m (81 ft 5 in) (2019), 24.80 m (81 ft 4+1⁄4 in) (2019), 24.62 m (80 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2020), 24.58 m (80 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2020), 24.29 m (79 ft 8+1⁄4 in) (2024) and 24.20 m (79 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2023).
  • Brooke Andersen also threw 24.97 m (81 ft 11 in) (2023), 24.53 m (80 ft 5+1⁄2 in) (2024), 24.35 m (79 ft 10+1⁄2 in) (2024).
  • Erin Reese also threw 24.93 m (81 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2021), 24.34 m (79 ft 10+1⁄4 in) (2023).
  • DeAnna Price also threw 24.71 m (81 ft 3⁄4 in) (2020), 24.57 m (80 ft 7+1⁄4 in) (2019), 24.52 m (80 ft 5+1⁄4 in) (2019), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+3⁄4 in) (2018) and 24.30 m (79 ft 8+1⁄2 in) A (2017).
  • Amber Campbell also threw 24.70 m (81 ft 1⁄4 in) (2010), 24.54 m (80 ft 6 in) (2007), 24.43 m (80 ft 1+3⁄4 in) (2009), 24.33 m (79 ft 9+3⁄4 in) (2016) and 24.32 m (79 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2010).
  • Jalani Davis also threw 24.63 m (80 ft 9+1⁄2 in) (2023), 24.51 m (80 ft 4+3⁄4 in) A (2023).
  • Rachel Tanczos also threw 24.58 m (80 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (2023), 24.32 m (79 ft 9+1⁄4 in) (2024).
  • Annette Echikunwoke also threw 24.56 m (80 ft 6+3⁄4 in) (2023).
  • Oyesade Olatoye also threw 24.46 m (80 ft 2+3⁄4 in) (2019).

Note that Gwen Berry threw 24.35 m in 2016 but the performance was annulled due to violation of anti-doping procedures[29]

Other international competitions

[edit]
Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article "Weight-throwing".

The event, held outdoors and indoors, is a World Championship and world record event in World Masters Athletics. Outdoors, it is also the final event of the Throws pentathlon. Masters athletics has different weight specifications for different age groups.[30]

As an indoor event

[edit]

The weight throw is an indoor track and field event, predominately in the US. The technique implemented to throw the weight is similar to that of the hammer throw in outdoor competition. In international competition, the men's weight is a 35 lb ball (25 for high school) with a D-ring or triangle handle attached directly to the weight. The technique in wide use is to start in a throwing circle with the thrower's back to the landing area. The weight is then swung overhead to gain momentum before transitioning into the spinning position. The thrower then turns heel to toe up to four times across the ring and toward the front of the circle. At the front of the circle, the thrower releases the weight over his/her shoulder and into the landing area. The landing area is a sector of 34.92° which is identical to the Hammer throw, Discus throw and Shot Put. Because of the demands of the landing area, USATF rules allow for the event as part of an indoor meet to be held outdoors. The world best for men is 25.41 m (outdoor) and 25.86 m (84 ft 10 in) (indoor) and is held by American Lance Deal. For women, who throw a weight of 20 lb, the world best is 24.57 m (80 ft 7+1⁄2 in) (outdoor) set by Brittany Riley of Southern Illinois University on 27 January 2007 and 25.60 m (indoor), by Gwen Berry, on 4 March 2017.

The weight throw event has had an enduring history in American track and field. It was a national championship event for men outdoors from 1878 to 1965.[31] Despite the decline of such outdoor contests in the United States, the event has been a mainstay of the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships: the men's 35 lb event has been held from 1932 to present and a women's 20 lb weight throw event was introduced in 1991.[32][33] The weight throw is also present on the event programme of the NCAA Men's and NCAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The Superweight Throw uses implements similar in construction to the regular weight throw but with heavier implements. The event was part of two Olympic Games in 1904 and 1920.[34][35] Though no longer officially sanctioned by World Athletics, it still is contested as a novelty event at various competitions, including the USATF Master's Indoor Championship.[36]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Weight throw

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The weight throw is a traditional athletic event involving the hurling of a heavy implement—a metal sphere or block attached to a by a chain or wire—for maximum distance or height, originating in Scottish where it is performed with one hand from a standing position or after spins, and adapted in modern as an indoor throwing discipline using both hands from a circular ring. In its form, competitors typically use implements weighing 28 pounds (12.7 kg) for lighter divisions or 56 pounds (25.4 kg) for heavier ones, aiming to either propel the weight the farthest into a marked sector or clear it over a progressively raised . The variant, often contested indoors, employs a 35-pound (15.88 kg) implement for men and 20-pound (9.07 kg) for women at collegiate levels, with throws measured from the point of release to the first impact within a specified sector, emphasizing rotational technique similar to the . Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions dating back approximately 2000 BC in Ireland and introduced to Scotland around the 4th and 5th centuries AD, the weight throw emerged as a test of strength during Highland Games formalized under King Malcolm III in the 11th century to select skilled clan warriors. These games were suppressed by English laws in the 18th century but revived in the late 1700s, spreading globally with Scottish emigration, including the first recorded U.S. Highland Games in 1836. In track and field, the event gained prominence in the early 20th century, appearing as the 56-pound weight toss at the 1904 and 1920 Summer Olympics before being discontinued, and it remains a staple in U.S. collegiate indoor championships under NCAA rules and masters competitions governed by USATF and World Masters Athletics. Key rules across variants prohibit stepping beyond the throwing area until the implement lands, require certified implements to ensure safety and fairness, and award performances based on the best of three to six attempts, with fouls resulting in no measurement. Notable achievements include world indoor records exceeding 25 meters in the men's 35-pound event and Highland Games distances of up to 29.76 meters with the 28-pound weight (world record by Spencer Tyler in 2019), highlighting the event's blend of power, technique, and historical significance.

History and origins

Early roots in Celtic traditions

According to legend and traditional accounts in ancient Celtic cultures, particularly among the of and , displays of strength during festivals and warrior training rituals included throwing heavy objects. In , the Tailteann Games are said to have featured contests involving the throwing of stones or heavy objects as tests of prowess, held in honor of the goddess Tailtiu during harvest season and including other feats like wrestling and . These events are traditionally dated to around 1829 BCE but lack historical verification and are considered mythical. In , similar traditions involved the clach neart or "stone of strength," rounded stones lifted to demonstrate physical dominance in clan-based challenges, often using natural boulders. Textual evidence from medieval manuscripts supports the use of thrown stones in Celtic society, though primarily in martial contexts. The 12th-century references the lia lamha laich (champion's hand-stone), a stone thrown as a in battles, such as at the Battle of Ath Comair in 123 BCE, carried in the hollow of a for combat. These activities held cultural significance as rites of passage and communal bonding in Celtic gatherings and seasonal celebrations, such as Lughnasa, where strength displays measured manhood and warrior readiness, often integrated into training for elite Gaelic militias like the legendary . By the medieval period, these informal strength displays began transitioning toward more organized forms, with records of periodic assemblies in the foreshadowing the structured .

Development in 19th-century Highland Games

The revival of the in the early 19th century was significantly influenced by Queen Victoria's patronage, which elevated these traditional gatherings from local clan events to nationally recognized celebrations of Scottish culture. Victoria's enthusiasm for Highland traditions, sparked during her visits to starting in the , helped formalize and popularize the games, transforming them into spectacles attended by royalty and aristocracy. Her attendance at events like the Gathering from 1848 onward not only boosted participation but also encouraged the inclusion of athletic competitions such as weight throw as highlights, shifting perceptions from rustic pastimes to symbols of imperial British identity. By the mid-19th century, organizers began standardizing equipment and formats to ensure consistency across gatherings, drawing from traditional agricultural to establish the 28-pound light weight and 56-pound heavy weight as core implements for events. These , originally used for measuring grain and other goods, were adapted for distance throws (where competitors hurled the weight one-handed from a fixed circle) and over-bar throws (aiming to clear a raised for height). While early efforts by societies like the Highland Society of focused more on cultural preservation, regional committees in , including those tied to Caledonian clubs, implemented these standards during the 1820s and 1830s to promote fair competition and attract elite participants. Formalized competitions featuring weight throw occurred at early 19th-century gatherings in regions like Breadalbane, marking a shift toward structured athletic programs, with throws serving as tests of Highland prowess and drawing crowds. By the 1830s, similar competitions at the Lonach Highland Gathering further entrenched weight throw as a staple, emphasizing one-handed technique and rotational momentum. The spread of weight throw to North America began in the 1840s through Scottish immigrants fleeing the Highland Clearances, who established Caledonian societies to maintain cultural ties. In Canada, early festivals in Glengarry County, Ontario—home to a large Highland diaspora—incorporated weight events by 1840, with annual gatherings featuring 28- and 56-pound throws alongside caber tosses to foster community identity. These immigrant-led games, supported by groups like the Highland Society of Canada (founded 1818), quickly proliferated to the United States, influencing events in states like New York and North Carolina by the late 1840s.

Introduction to track and field athletics

The weight throw, originating from Scottish traditions, was adopted into formal athletics in the late through U.S. collegiate programs, where it became a staple of intercollegiate competitions. The Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America (IC4A), established in 1876, included weight throwing events in its inaugural track and field meet at , marking the event's integration into organized American college athletics as a test of strength and technique. By the 1890s, such events were commonplace in Eastern U.S. collegiate meets, with early implementations using lighter implements like 16-pound weights to accommodate indoor and collegiate settings, laying the foundation for its evolution beyond folk games into a standardized discipline. The event's formal recognition as an indoor discipline came in 1908 under the (AAU), which distinguished the weight throw from the outdoor by emphasizing a compact, circular area and a handle-equipped weight suited for enclosed venues. This separation allowed for year-round competition and highlighted the weight throw's unique adaptations, such as rotational techniques performed within a 7-foot circle, fostering its growth in North American and European indoor circuits. The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF, now ), upon its formation in 1912, endorsed indoor variants, including the weight throw, as part of broader efforts to codify events globally. Despite early Olympic appearances in 1904 and 1920—where it was contested as the 56-pound weight throw for distance—the event was excluded from subsequent Games due to its perceived overlap with the , both sharing rotational mechanics and strength demands, which program organizers viewed as redundant for international schedules. This decision confined the weight throw primarily to indoor formats, where it thrived in NCAA championships and European meets, maintaining its niche appeal without Olympic prestige. Its persistence in these arenas underscored the event's value in developing throwing technique during off-seasons. Key milestones in the 1920s included the ratification of the first official indoor world records by the IAAF, with American throwers like Patrick Ryan setting marks in the 35-pound weight throw, such as his 1913 performance of 17.55 meters that advanced measurement standards and technique refinement. These records, often achieved in AAU indoor championships, solidified the event's legitimacy and encouraged progressive innovations in training. For women, inclusion accelerated in the amid post-World War II expansions in female athletics, with collegiate weight throw events emerging in AAU and early AIAW meets using 20-pound implements, paving the way for NCAA adoption.

Highland Games version

Rules, equipment, and technique

In the Highland Games, the weight throw uses a metal implement—typically a or block—weighing 28 lb (12.7 kg) for light events or 56 lb (25.4 kg) for heavy events in men, with women using 14 lb (6.35 kg) light and 28 lb heavy. The weight attaches to a or links (15–18 inches long) ending in a ring handle for one-handed grip. Implements must be certified for consistency, with no maximum length exceeding 18 inches overall. Competitions occur within a netted safety area, with throws delivered from behind a wooden trig (4 ft 6 in wide) inside a 9 ft winged box on grass or turf. The landing sector is marked by lines or flags, typically 40–60 degrees, requiring the weight to land within for validity. Athletes receive three to six attempts, measured from the trig's front center to the nearest impact mark along the straight line, recorded to the nearest ½ inch or 1 cm below. A foul occurs if the athlete steps beyond the box or touches the trig (except its front face) during delivery, uses both hands on the handle after starting, or if the weight lands outside the sector or fails to cross the trig plane. Starts must be stationary, with a two-minute time limit per throw; gloves or tape are prohibited except for safety, and no practice attempts allowed in the sector. Technique emphasizes one-handed rotational spins or standing pulls to build momentum, releasing overhead for distance or height. Unlike the circle-based throws, allow a short run-up or spins behind the trig, focusing on explosive hip drive and with , often on uneven .

Distance throws: records and progressions

In the , the light weight for distance event uses a 28 lb (12.7 kg) implement thrown one-handed from a standing position or with spins behind the trig, with the current men's at 97 ft 8 in (29.76 m), set by Spencer Tyler at the 2019 US Invitational in . For the heavy weight for distance, utilizing a 56 lb (25.4 kg) implement under similar rules, the men's is 51 ft 1.5 in (15.58 m), achieved by Spencer Tyler at the 2019 Queen Mary . These records reflect the sport's emphasis on explosive power and rotational technique, with recent competitions in 2025, such as the , seeing strong performances in divisional classes, including a category (athletes under approximately 200 lb bodyweight) mark of 59 ft 7 in (18.17 m) by Scott Bishop in the 28 lb event. Historical progressions in distance throws demonstrate gradual advancements driven by improved and technique. For the 28 lb , early 20th-century marks hovered around 76 ft, as seen with George Clark's 76 ft 4 in throw at the 1934 Aboyne Games in , before leaping to 87 ft 2 in by Bill Anderson at the 1966 Crieff Games. Key milestones include Geoff Capes' 94 ft throw at the 1987 Kildirnie Games and Gregor Edmunds' 95 ft 10 in at the 2011 Markinch Games, culminating in Tyler's 2019 benchmark. In the 56 lb event, progression was slower due to the heavier load, starting from Clark's 39 ft 6 in in the 1930s at Aboyne, advancing to Bill Anderson's 41 ft 11 in in 1969, and reaching Ryan Vierra's 49 ft 2 in at the 2005 Games before Tyler's record. Top performers like Lorne Colthart, a prominent Scottish , have contributed to high-level , though his standout achievements are more noted in related events like the . The evolution of these records has been influenced by equipment standardization, particularly from the mid-20th century onward, when organizations like the Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA) and North American Scottish Games Association (NASGA) formalized implement specifications, including chain lengths of 15–18 inches and precise weights to ensure consistency across events. This uniformity, building on 19th-century variations in weight sizes, allowed for reliable comparisons and spurred technique refinements, such as enhanced hip rotation and grip methods. North American dominance is evident, with many records set in the and due to the region's robust competitive circuit and larger participant base, contrasting with more traditional but smaller-scale Scottish events. For women, the light weight for distance typically uses a 14 lb (6.35 kg) implement, with the professional at 90 ft 10 in, set by Elissa Hapner at the 2018 Victoria Highland Games. In the women's heavy category (28 lb), distances are shorter, often around 45–55 ft in elite competitions, as exemplified by field like 53 ft 4 in by Adriane Blewitt in 2012. These gender-specific highlight adaptations for strength differences while maintaining the core throwing mechanics.
ImplementAthleteDistanceLocationYear
28 lbGeorge Clark76 ft 4 inAboyne, 1934
28 lbBill Anderson87 ft 2 in, 1966
28 lb94 ft 0 inKildirnie, 1987
28 lbSpencer Tyler97 ft 8 inPleasanton, CA, 2019
56 lbGeorge Clark39 ft 6 inAboyne, 1930s
56 lbFrancis Brebner48 ft 1 in, 1999
56 lbRyan Vierra49 ft 2 in, NV, 2005
56 lbSpencer Tyler51 ft 1.5 inLong Beach, CA, 2019

Height throws: records and progressions

In the Highland Games, height throws, also known as weight over bar or weight for height, involve athletes tossing a weight vertically to clear an adjustable bar, with success determined by the height achieved before three consecutive failures. This event emphasizes explosive power, technique, and precision, distinguishing it from distance throws by focusing on vertical clearance rather than horizontal projection. The bar is typically raised in increments of 6 inches (15 cm) after each round of successful throws by all competitors, continuing until no one can clear it. The technique for height throws centers on a vertical toss, where the grips a attached to the weight and uses a combination of leg drive, hip explosion, and arm extension to propel it straight upward. Unlike distance throws, which often incorporate spinning or gliding motions, height throws prioritize a direct overhead motion to maximize vertical while minimizing forward momentum that could knock the bar off. Athletes commonly start with the weight between their legs or at chest height, uncoiling the body in a whipping action to launch it over the bar, aiming for the weight to arc cleanly without touching the bar on descent. This method requires fine-tuned control to avoid disqualifying clips, and progression occurs through incremental bar raises, often starting at around 10-12 feet (3-3.7 m) and advancing to elite levels exceeding 18 feet (5.5 m). may be allowed in some variants for heavier weights. Historical progressions in height throws trace back to the early 1900s, when records hovered around 12 feet (3.66 m) in the 1920s, limited by rudimentary training and equipment. By the mid-20th century, advancements in strength training pushed heavy weight (56 lb or 25.4 kg) clearances to 15-16 feet (4.6-4.9 m), with notable improvements in the 1980s through specialized coaching. The 2010s marked a significant spike due to crossovers from strongman competitions, where athletes like Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson brought elite powerlifting backgrounds, elevating records dramatically. For the light weight (28 lb or 12.7 kg), early marks were similarly modest, around 10-11 feet (3-3.4 m) in the 1930s, progressing steadily to 14-15 feet (4.3-4.6 m) by the late 20th century as technique refined. Current records highlight the event's evolution. In the heavy weight category, the world record stands at 20 feet 3 inches (6.17 m), set by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson at the 2022 Rogue Invitational (as of November 2025). For the light weight, progression has reached approximately 19 feet 6 inches (5.94 m) in recent elite competitions. In 2025, Vlad Tulacek set new marks in the 56 lb event, including a world record of 17 feet 5 inches at the Pitlochry Highland Games and strong performances at Inverness, showcasing continued innovation. Notable events like the World Heavy Events Championships have further advanced the sport, with records in height throws often set there due to top-tier competition. For instance, at the 2014 edition in Dunfermline, UK, athletes cleared over 18 feet (5.5 m) in the heavy category, contributing to global progressions and inspiring technique refinements. Such championships underscore the event's role in fostering elite performances, with incremental records driving the sport forward into the modern era.

Track and field version

Rules, equipment, and technique

The version of the weight throw utilizes a specialized implement consisting of a spherical metal head attached to a wire featuring a triangular rod grip. For men, the weight measures 35 lb (15.88 kg), while women use a 20 lb (9.07 kg) implement, with the head ranging from 145 to 165 mm and a maximum overall of 410 mm from the bottom of the head to the middle of the . The connection between the head and may include links or a , but unlike the hammer throw's longer wire, the weight throw's design prohibits turns outside the circle and emphasizes contained rotational motion. Competitions follow standardized rules set by (USATF), with throws executed from a circle of 2.135 m inside diameter, constructed from a level, non-slippery surface like or asphalt, surrounded by a 6 mm thick metal rim painted white on the top and inner face. This circle is enclosed within a safety cage, typically at least 10 m high, to contain errant throws and ensure participant safety. The landing sector spans a 34.92-degree , marked by 5 cm wide white lines radiating from the circle's center, with the weight required to land within the inner edges of these lines for validity. Qualifying athletes receive three attempts in the preliminary round, with the top eight advancing to a final round of three additional attempts, measured from the circle's center to the nearest mark made by the weight along a straight line, recorded to the nearest centimeter below the actual distance. A throw is deemed a foul—and thus invalid—if the athlete touches the top or exterior of the circle's rim, ground outside the circle, or the cage during the delivery; exits the circle before the weight lands (with the first contact point behind the white line); or if the weight lands outside the sector or touches the sector lines extended. Athletes must start stationary within the circle, may use both hands on the handle except during the release, and are permitted interruptions within the one-minute time limit per attempt. Gloves are allowed if smooth and with open fingertips (except the thumb), and substances may be applied for grip, but no practice throws are permitted in the circle or sector during competition. Technique in the weight throw prioritizes generating explosive speed through full rotations or a start within the confined , building momentum via single- or double-support swings before a one-handed overhead release. The focus lies on rapid acceleration of the implement while maintaining balance to avoid fouls, with the shorter compared to the necessitating tighter, more controlled turns to optimize force transfer and trajectory. This precision-oriented approach contrasts with the freer outdoor variants in , where heavier implements permit run-ups.

All-time best performances

The weight throw in has seen remarkable advancements in performance, particularly among American athletes, with all marks ratified by where applicable, though the event's status as a non-championship discipline limits formal ratification to select high-level indoor competitions. The men's stands at 26.35 meters, achieved by Daniel Haugh of the at the 2024 USATF Indoor Championships in . This mark surpassed the previous best of 25.86 meters set by Lance Deal in 1995.
RankAthleteDistanceYearVenue
1Daniel Haugh (USA)26.35 m2024US Indoor Championships, Albuquerque
2Lance Deal (USA)25.86 m1995US Indoor Championships, Atlanta
3Ryan Crouser (USA)25.42 m2022Unspecified indoor meet
... (top 10 continues with other American performers)
In the women's category, the world record is 26.02 meters, set by DeAnna Price of the United States at the 2023 USATF Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marking the first throw beyond 26 meters in the event's history. Notable top performers include Erin Reese (USA) with 25.73 meters in 2024, Gwen Berry (USA) with 25.35 meters in 2017, highlighting the depth of American talent in the discipline.
RankAthleteDistanceYearVenue
1 (USA)26.02 m2023US Indoor Championships, Albuquerque
2Erin Reese (USA)25.73 m2024US Indoor Championships, Albuquerque
3 (USA)25.35 m2017US Indoor Championships
... (top 10 continues with other American performers)
The progression of records reflects steady improvement since the event's integration into in the early , starting with men's marks around 18 meters in the and accelerating in the with breakthroughs exceeding 26 meters, underscoring American dominance in both genders due to the event's prominence in U.S. collegiate and national indoor programs. All listed performances are from indoor facilities and verified through official meet results.

Major competitions and indoor adaptations

The weight throw serves as a staple event in major collegiate and national indoor track and field competitions, particularly in North America, where it highlights elite throwers during the winter season. The NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships, held annually since 1965, have featured the weight throw since 1977 for men and 1996 for women as one of the core throwing disciplines, drawing top university athletes from across the United States and crowning national champions each March. Similarly, the USATF Indoor Championships, organized by USA Track & Field, stand as the premier national event for professionals and elites, with qualifying standards set at 23.50 meters for men and 20.50 meters for women to advance to finals as of 2025, and have hosted numerous world records, including Daniel Haugh's 26.35-meter men's mark in 2024. These championships provide critical platforms for performance progression and talent development, often serving as qualifiers for international masters events under World Athletics. While the weight throw enjoys consistent inclusion in North American competitions, its presence in international meets remains limited, with occasional appearances in national indoor championships in countries like Canada and parts of Europe, though it is absent from the biennial program. Outdoor exhibitions of the event occur sporadically, typically as demonstrations or invitational meets, but lack the structured format and frequency of indoor contests due to space and safety requirements. The event's growth in the women's category has accelerated since the early , coinciding with expanded NCAA opportunities and increased participation, leading to deeper fields and higher competitive standards at events like the USATF Indoor Championships. As an indoor-adapted discipline, the weight throw is conducted on 200-meter oval tracks to accommodate the rotational throwing technique within confined arenas, utilizing protective netting cages—typically 25 long by 15 wide—to contain errant throws and ensure spectator safety. These adaptations make it ideal for winter , with major meets concentrated from to in the , aligning with indoor facility availability and training cycles. Although not part of the Olympic program since its last inclusion in 1920, the weight throw maintains vitality through its role in collegiate and national circuits, fostering technical innovation in a controlled environment.

References

  1. https://www.f4sa.org/highland-games
  2. https://www.pausatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/throws.pdf
  3. https://highlandgames.com/heavy-athletics/
  4. https://www.rshga.org/downloads/pdf/RULES%20OF%20COMPETITION%20&%20ADVISORY_RSHGA_CLEAN%20FOR%20BOOK_v22.1_Feb2022.pdf
  5. https://www.bcathletics.org/admin/js/elfinder/files/Officials/Quick%20Guides/QGWeight%20RefCard20.pdf
  6. https://www.topendsports.com/events/discontinued/athletics-56lb-toss.htm
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjNBMUtMyrM
  8. https://www.theirishstory.com/2011/02/23/the-tailteann-games-1924-1936/
  9. https://www.thedinniestones.com/Articles%20of%20Interest/CLACHNEART%20STRATHMORE%20OF%20DURNESS.pdf
  10. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Athletics_and_Manly_Sport/Ancient_Irish_Athletic_Games,_Exercises,_and_Weapons
  11. https://emeraldisle.ie/the-stonemen-of-ireland
  12. https://www.scotland.org/events/highland-games/highland-games-traditions
  13. https://digital.la84.org/digital/collection/p17103coll10/id/9520/
  14. https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/the-highland-games
  15. https://sgoilgaidhlig.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/highland_settlers.pdf
  16. https://www.campbellriverhighlandgathering.ca/copy-2-of-celts-have-talents
  17. https://www.highlandsocietyoflondon.org/history/
  18. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43610106
  19. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/highland-games
  20. https://www.irss.uoguelph.ca/index.php/irss/article/view/257/385
  21. http://archive.carnegiefoundation.org/publications/pdfs/elibrary/American_College_Athletics.pdf
  22. https://www.usatfne.org/officials/ruleshistory_zemper.pdf
  23. https://worldathletics.org/heritage/history/early-origins-to-1930s
  24. http://www.nasgaweb.com/rules.asp
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb_1wpQGTYo
  26. https://michiganhighlanders.org/blog/how-to-get-started-in-scottish-highland-games-a-beginners-guide-to-training-and-equipment
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_JSitcrSb8
  28. https://www.facebook.com/groups/131744604052/posts/10161797087069053/
  29. http://www.highlandgames.net/progression.html
  30. https://ironmind.com/news/Bruce-Robb-Wins-the-Strathmore-Highland-Games-Lorne-Colthart-wins-the-Scottish-Caber-Tossing-Championships
  31. http://www.highlandgames.net/
  32. http://www.highlandgames.net/records.html
  33. https://victoriahighlandgames.com/attractions/heavy-events/weight-for-distance/
  34. https://www.clanbacon.org/lightweight-women-s-records
  35. https://antigonishhighlandgames.ca/scottish-heavy-events/
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8LqKuYTGVE
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUgpxKYkocA
  38. https://www.facebook.com/ScottishHighlandGamesAssociationshga/posts/new-world-record-in-56lbs-weight-over-the-barvlad-tulacek-from-teplice-in-the-cz/1345394557375186/
  39. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m0sUooQ6Khw
  40. https://www.csaf.ca/records
  41. https://mausatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2022-USATF-Competition-Rules.pdf
  42. https://usatf.org/news/2024/world-records-fall-on-day-one-of-usatf-indoor-cham
  43. https://usatf.org/news/2023/weight-throw-world-bests-put-spotlight-on-field-ev
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.