This past weekend, I qualified and was able to compete for the first time in the Master’s Heavy Events World Championships held in Amherst, New York. We had 8 events over 4 days, including 2 stone throws (similar to shotput), two hammer throws (similar to Olympic hammers, but we stay stationary), two weights for distance (similar to discuss), caber, sheaf and weight over bar.
I went in with the attitude that I wasn’t there to win. I was competing against several women who’ve been throwing for a lot longer than I and who started this sport with some form of athletic background. This isn’t me making excuses or being defeatist, this is about being realistic about my capabilities and standings. My goal was to enjoy the experience, throw well and try to get some personal bests.
The weekend exceeded all my expectations. Friday night started with introductions and a speech by one of the Heavies veterans welcoming back this great big dysfunctional family. This is what the games are all about. I throw with many of the same women in the games in Canada, some of whom I practice with on a regular basis. Whenever we see each other, we have big hugs for each other and catch up while we throw. In Canada, we call this group our summer family, though many of these friendships continue year round. Thrower spouses/partners are part of the family too, and reconnecting with them created as much joy as seeing my throwing friends again. Sunday ended with new Facebook connections and promises to attend other games.
On the field with nearly 100 competitors from ages 40 to over 70, the support between competing athletes is the same world-wide as it is for us at home. Coaching each other to improve, even if it means you have to work harder to stay ahead is the norm. We had spectators asking us questions while we waited for our next turn, and several times I heard them comment on the camaraderie between athletes. Many were there to win, but they wanted to do it fairly and with solid competition. World records were broken and everyone was excited to see it happen, regardless of whether they were direct competition or not.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I came in 9th overall out of 10 women in my age group of 45 to 49 from Canada, the US and Germany. I reached a personal best of 20 feet by throwing a 10lb sheaf over a bar, with a pitchfork, and I placed, 4th, 8th and 9th a few times as well as 10th in the 8 events
This was an amazing experience. Two and half days with these people, where we met on and off the field was such a high. There was a ton of laughter, ton of support, lots of hugs, wee bit of wine slushies and lots of selfies with new friends. I’m so glad my husband and I backed out of our sport retirement plans and decided to give it another few years. Next year’s competition is Iceland, and you can bet I’ll be working hard to get there.
