It was another memorable year for the heavy athletics at the Cowal Highland Gathering, with a host of high-class competitors on hand to demonstrate their strength.
In the men’s category Bruce Robb of Rosyth came first, beating the well known Jason Young of Rhynie into second place, with Neil Elliott of Helensburgh coming in third.
In the women’s category it was Helen Van Domnelen of Holland who came first, with Joanna Helbeg of Germany in second and Laura Kent of Glasgow finishing in third.
There was a host of events in which competitors had the chance to demonstrate their skill and strength.
These included putting the 16lb ball, throwing 28lb weight for distance, 16lb Scots style hammer throw, 56lb weight for height, tossing the caber and the famous Cowal Stone, which is twice the weight of the normal shot putt.
Tossing the caber is all about balance as well as strength. It is vital to get the caber upright and balanced against your shoulder, then you have to set off and build up some momentum whilst ensuring the caber does not lean forward or back.
Once you feel you have adequate momentum you have to heave the caber up and away from you. The goal is to get the top of the caber to hit the ground first and then fall over away from you. The competitor who achieves this and whose caber lies nearest the 12 o’clock position wins.
