History of the Athletic Events

The tradition of the athletic competition goes back to the days when rival clans or kings would meet. Some believe competitions were organized to keep down the brawling and “street fighting”, to impress one’s rivals with displays of strength and skill and to gain honor and prestige. The games came to America with the immigrants, but today the competition is between individuals and not clans. Others believe that they are the tests that were required of squires and other recruits before they were tested in battle. Many of the various athletic strength and skill requirements are the same as those that were required to successfully win a battle against a fortified position, whether it was a Roman night camp or a walled city. The event is broken down into five categories:

Weight Toss (for Height) – The objective is to toss the weight up and over a pole-vault bar. The weight has a ring handle attached so that, using only one hand, the weight may be swung between the knees and tossed over the bar.
Weight Throw (for Distance) – A ring handle is attached to the weight by a chain for an overall length of 18”. The weight is thrown one-handed from behind a trig with a 9’ run-up allowed. Any style may be used, with the most efficient being to spin like a discus thrower.
Hammer Throw – The original hammer used in Scotland was that used by the men in quarries mining granite. In America, initially it was the heavy, long-handled blacksmith’s hammer. Today the hammerhead is round and made of metal. The handle is made of cane (or PVC pipe) with an overall length of 50”.
Braemar (Standing) Stone Put – The Braemar Stone Put has an ancient and easy to identify history. It was common practice for early Highland Chieftains to have a large stone outside their gatepost and challenges of strength and endurance were easily made to a visiting clan and its “heavy” warriors.
Caber – The tossing of the caber (meaning “pole”, “rafter”, or “tree”) is probably the most famous of the Scottish athletic events. It is one of the most traditional (dating from the 16th century, when it may have begun as a military discipline developed to breach fortifications and barriers.) It is definitely one of the most spectacular events, as it measures strength, balance, timing and accuracy.

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