So you want to be an athlete?

[BoldHighlander]

Great thread!
Unfortuantly a lower back (& groin) injury would keep me from competeing

However I'm sending alot of this info to my son (he's 23), whom I'd like to get involved in the heavy events. He's about 5' 9" & built like bull. I think if I could get him out on the field he'd never leave!!

[Yaish]

That's awesome.

The information in this thread is a great start to practice, and check your local area to see if there is anyone he can train with. Nothing beats a hands on teacher, and there is no substitute for competition to help you learn faster.

[SteveB]

This past summer, I went to a festival that had a demonstration of the Games. Those of us that attended kilted were invited to try each of the events. I am 56 and 190 Lbs (should be 150) at 6'1". I work in a Hardware Store tossing 40 Lb bags of concrete mix, 60 Lb bags of sand and 50, and 100 Lb bags of Rock salt and other ice melters during the Winter. I did not qualify on any of the throwing events. I did qualify in the Caber Toss. Four out of twenty of us went on to "compete" in the demonstration event. The judges were great using us to explain to the spectators the rules and techniques. The two experts in the Caber Toss were thrilled and helpful, even when during the competition I had bested them. The camaraderie was great, and I now have a few more friends for it. Participation in the events that I did not qualify were as much and one more fun than even the one I won. One of my "competitors" commented that the hardware experience is what gave me the stability that bore the good results. One judge asked me if i was a "Ringer". This was my first attempt at anything like the Games.
--- Steve

[Yaish]

Great job Steve, Caber is one of the most difficult events to master. That you got it is fantastic. Good job, and don't give up.

[Alan H]

This past summer, I went to a festival that had a demonstration of the Games. Those of us that attended kilted were invited to try each of the events. I am 56 and 190 Lbs (should be 150) at 6'1". I work in a Hardware Store tossing 40 Lb bags of concrete mix, 60 Lb bags of sand and 50, and 100 Lb bags of Rock salt and other ice melters during the Winter. I did not qualify on any of the throwing events. I did qualify in the Caber Toss. Four out of twenty of us went on to "compete" in the demonstration event. The judges were great using us to explain to the spectators the rules and techniques. The two experts in the Caber Toss were thrilled and helpful, even when during the competition I had bested them. The camaraderie was great, and I now have a few more friends for it. Participation in the events that I did not qualify were as much and one more fun than even the one I won. One of my "competitors" commented that the hardware experience is what gave me the stability that bore the good results. One judge asked me if i was a "Ringer". This was my first attempt at anything like the Games.
--- Steve

Fantastic! I'm determined that I'm gonna turn one of the competition cabers this year!