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Weight for Distance
This is called by many the most graceful of the Scottish athletic events which is slightly puzzling
considering that the athletes are throwing 28 and 56 pound weights. But there is definitely a certain grace and almost delicacy about the athletes as they swirl around and around before releasing
the weight on its journey. The weights are large pieces of metal in a rough cubical shape with a steel ring attached by a short chain. There are two weights used, one weighing in at 28 pounds and the other at 56 pounds. Why 28 and 56 pounds? Quite simply, they are multiples of the ancient weight measurement "stone" which translates to 14 pounds (conversely, they are also a quarter and a half long hundredweight, respectively).
The athlete is allowed a nine foot "run up" but cannot cross the toe-board. The athletes grip the steel ring with one hand and swirl around, to gain momentum, as they move towards the tow-board. When they release the weight it goes flying off into the field where it is measured for the distance traveled.
The winner in the Professional category last year was Karl Dodge for both 28 and 56 pound weights. John Richard carried both honors for the Amateurs.