Maybe everyone's already seen this - I don't see much in the way of television but, luckily, someone posted about this series on a forum I frequent. Looks like a fun show!
National Geographic's "Strong Men" (episodes and trailers)
Love the Highland athletics. Lucky enough to have a good friend, Carl Braun, who was a professional Highland athlete for many years. Held/hold's the North American Record for the Scots heavy hammer - incredible athlete.
Have to be big and strong because of the mass of the objects you are throwing, but quickness, balance, flexibility and speed are also very important components. Much like Olympic lifting except it's 7 events and all day long. Stone of Strength (a sort of shot put), 26 and 56 lb for distance, Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss (height), Caber Toss (rotation/accuracy), 56 lbs for height.
Having been in the martial arts for the last 35 or so years, I can say that with respect to breaking things, size is not all that essential. You do need to be well conditioned and have lots of speed, concentration, technique and mental toughness.
Love the Highland athletics. Lucky enough to have a good friend, Carl Braun, who was a professional Highland athlete for many years. Held/hold's the North American Record for the Scots heavy hammer - incredible athlete.
ReplyDeleteHave to be big and strong because of the mass of the objects you are throwing, but quickness, balance, flexibility and speed are also very important components. Much like Olympic lifting except it's 7 events and all day long. Stone of Strength (a sort of shot put), 26 and 56 lb for distance, Hammer Throw, Sheaf Toss (height), Caber Toss (rotation/accuracy), 56 lbs for height.
Having been in the martial arts for the last 35 or so years, I can say that with respect to breaking things, size is not all that essential. You do need to be well conditioned and have lots of speed, concentration, technique and mental toughness.
:-) charlie
I've done some breaking, but track and field was never my strong suit. I'd be pretty awful at most Highland Games events, but it looks fun.
ReplyDelete