King Joes Barbell Club

622 E.Drinker St. Dunmore PA 18512

Braemar  Heavy Stone

 Challenge Hall of Fame

Strength Challenge Photo Page

 “There is a strength and permanence to stone. And because stones last, the stories of the men who lift them last as well." --Steve Jeck

“When one embraces an ancient testing stone, he also embraces the history of that stone.  He must exert the same herculean effort and his body will suffer the same toll as those hearty lads who dared to hoist the same load.  He will also know, if victorious, the same exhalation and pride felt by his worthy predecessors.”  --  Steve Jeck

 

 

 

 

 

Stone lifting is an ancient sport. It has existed for hundreds, of years dating back before the first Olympics.

In this time period, manufactured weights as we know them today, did not exist. Therefore strength athletes would put to use various size stones as training implements.

  • In Scotland, the clach cuid fir signified a right of passage for young males. A young male would be welcomed into manhood when he was able to lift his clan's testing stone to waist height.

  • The clach cuid firs were also used as a means of demonstrating strength. These ancient testing stones had to be lifted from ground level and placed on top of a “dyke” (wall) about three feet high. They normally weighed 100 lbs to well over 200 lbs.

  • Highland chiefs used the clach cuid fir as well.  These stones, referred to as ‘clachnearts’ or ‘stones of strength’, were placed at the gateways of the chiefs homes. Visitors were invited to test their strength.  To appease the chief, these visitors had to the stone of the ground onto another stone which was about three to four feet high. 

  • In other stories of the clach cuid fir, smaller training testing stones were placed near the kirk (church) and young men would practice lifting them after attending the Sunday service.

    Competitions also took place amongst the athletes with regard to the heaviest stone being lifted or thrown for distance. In Celtic history the competition would determine one’s manhood, or win a free stay for the night, including dinner, at a Manor or Estate for travelers.Stones have been around since the beginning of time. The same clach cuid firs that were hoisted by men over 1000 years ago can be sought out and lifted today. There are still many people throughout the world that are drawn to the stones

    This stone will be thrown Braemar style with no approach it can be thrown any way but no run up and thrower must not cross Trigg. The weight of this stone has not been determined

      

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    The art of stone lifting is as old as stones themselves! For hundreds of years men have been lifting stones in an effort to demonstrate their physical prowess and test their strength. It wasn't until the 20th Century that man turned this ancient practice into a "sporting event" and displayed the art in public.

       Scotland is considered the Mecca of stone lifting and contains more famous "lifting stones"  than any other country! Such as "The Inver Stone", "The McGlashen Stones", "The Ladykirk Stone" and "The Dinnie Stones"! In Scotland "lifting stones" are called "Clach Cuid Fir" meaning "Manhood Stones".  Obviously called "Manhood Stones' because when a young man was able to lift the stone to waist height he was considered a man! Of course there are many other famous stones in other countries as well.  Such as, Ireland's "Stone of Oisin", the "Strength Stones of Finland",  Iceland's famous "Dritvik Stones of Strength" and the world famous "Husafell Stone" from Iceland!

       The beasts of  all the famous lifting stones are "The Dinnie Stones"! The Dinnie Stones are massive stones weighing 340lbs. and 435lbs. and have large metal rings attached to them. They are so named after the famous Donald Dinnie who in the mid-19th century lifted both stones together with his bare hands and in an amazing feat of strength carried them both across the length of the bridge of Potarch!

    This is our version of the Husafell Stone  335lbs of trouble

                                                                                                                  Brandon Shihinski poses  next to the stone

    To make our record board a person (under 40 years old) must carry it 100 feet. 50 yards (over 50 years old). Assistance standing the stone on end is allowwed but must be lifted from the floor and carried alone

    HUSSAFELL CARRY WORLD"S STRONGEST MAN

     

    These are the   "STERLING STONES" They are carried like farmers walk one in each hand for distance with no set downs. To be counted you must carry them 100 feet(under 40 years old) and 50 feet (over 50years old). the weight of the stones is only 150lbs. and 145lbs. ,but they are very awkward

    Loon Mountain Stone Walk

     

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