Today we have a guest post, written by the very lovely Jamie Channel.
2011 - 8th place at the Arizona Scottish Highland Games World Women's Championship
2010 - 10th North American Overall
2009 - 26th North America Overall
Jamie was kind enough to spend a little bit of time to share her experiences with us in relation to beginning her participating in the Highland Games.
"In 2009, I attended my first Scottish Highland Games in Warrensburg, MO. I had no idea what they were or how they worked. After sitting around watching these men and women throw around heavy things all day, I thought to myself, "I can do this!" And so began my Highland Games career.
I started practicing and a month later competed in my first competition. Luckily, I seemed to have some luck with a few of the events, so I was really encouraged.
Since then, I have been addicted and haven't looked back! Last year I competed in about 12 different games around the four states. I have been an athlete my entire life, but I can honestly say, I have never competed with a better group of people than throwers.
There is a certain camaraderie and friendship that you have with your fellow throwers that isn't commonly found among athletes. The people you beat are the first ones to congratulate you and the people beating you are the first to offer advice.
When it comes to being a female thrower, it is not all about being a huge freak of nature, it really is about technique. You wouldn't be able to tell some of the best ladies in the world are throwers just by looking at them.
It is an amazing sport and I implore anyone who wants to throw, to just get out there and try. That is where to start. Trust me, you WILL fall and you WILL get thrown around at first, but just stick with it. Give the sport a chance!
Thank you Jamie!!!
2011 - 8th place at the Arizona Scottish Highland Games World Women's Championship
2010 - 10th North American Overall
2009 - 26th North America Overall
Jamie was kind enough to spend a little bit of time to share her experiences with us in relation to beginning her participating in the Highland Games.
"In 2009, I attended my first Scottish Highland Games in Warrensburg, MO. I had no idea what they were or how they worked. After sitting around watching these men and women throw around heavy things all day, I thought to myself, "I can do this!" And so began my Highland Games career.
I started practicing and a month later competed in my first competition. Luckily, I seemed to have some luck with a few of the events, so I was really encouraged.
Since then, I have been addicted and haven't looked back! Last year I competed in about 12 different games around the four states. I have been an athlete my entire life, but I can honestly say, I have never competed with a better group of people than throwers.
There is a certain camaraderie and friendship that you have with your fellow throwers that isn't commonly found among athletes. The people you beat are the first ones to congratulate you and the people beating you are the first to offer advice.
When it comes to being a female thrower, it is not all about being a huge freak of nature, it really is about technique. You wouldn't be able to tell some of the best ladies in the world are throwers just by looking at them.
It is an amazing sport and I implore anyone who wants to throw, to just get out there and try. That is where to start. Trust me, you WILL fall and you WILL get thrown around at first, but just stick with it. Give the sport a chance!
Thank you Jamie!!!
Jamie thanks so much for sharing your story! With folks like you to help guide new throwers how can we do anything but succeed?
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