Highland Games-State Championships-Hammer Throw & Sheaf Toss (31 images)

I have fewer total images from these two events, so I am posting them together. Again, these are too many images for the casual viewer, but the athletes should enjoy them.

Hammer Throw: In keeping with the warlike, militaristic roots of the Scottish Highland Games, the hammer throw may have its origins as far back in history as the thirteen century as a response to King Edward I of England making it illegal for Scots to own weapons. The hammer wasn't considered a weapon, but clansmen quickly turned it into one. In Scottish Highland Games the hammer thrown isn't actually a hammer, but a heavy metal ball which is securely attached to a sturdy four-foot-two-inch pole. Standard weight of the hammer (ball) is 22lbs for men, and 16lbs for women.

Sheaf Toss: The origins of this Highland Games event are farm-related and early competitors most likely used regular bales of hay. Today, the 'sheaf' is a bag, often made from burlap/sacking or plastic, which is stuff with wheat, hay, straw, shredded/chopped rope or mulch. According to rules, the pitchfork (or hay fork) itself must have at least two tines (prongs), three tine-forks are most often used. Three attempts are allowed and technique or style is open as long as it's safe, and the competitor doesn't break any rules. The highest toss which clears the bar cleanly wins.