About Ancient Athletics

The competitors in highland games carry out traditions dating back to the eleventh century and perhaps even earlier. They were originally men who participated in acts of strength showing off their manhood by using items that were commonly found in the Scottish Highlands, such as stones or logs. The Braemar Gathering claims to be the first recorded Highland Games. King Malcolm tested the athletes in a hill race in order to choose a messenger who was not only physically fit, but also quick. Thus the Highland Games were born. Other events were added throughout time as tests of the athletes’ strength and speed. The first formally organized and annual gathering dates back to around 1820.  Many of the Heavy Events competitors in the Scottish Highland Athletics are:

• High school and college track and field athletes

• High school, college and NFL football players

• Power Lifters / Crossfit Athletes

• People who like to have a great time

Increasingly here in the USA, the Heavy Events are attracting women and master class (40+ years old) athletes which has led to a proliferation of additional classes in Heavy Events competitions. Lighter implements are used in these classes. Though originally a sport exclusively for men, women have started playing a greater role in Highland Games competitions. In Scotland, the ratio is now closer to 60-40, more men than women, but women are quickly gaining ground.  

Members at Large 

Liam Carhoff

Alisha  Donner

Ben Carhoff

Gin Gartin

Cadence Giddings

Devin Rowe

Charli Kahler-Rumbold

Ancient Athletics, along with the St. Andrew’s Society of Central Illinois, is dedicated to promoting the Celtic culture through athletic competition. With one of the most active games schedules in the country Ancient Athletics organizes 8 games per year across in Central Illinois.

From April through October we host on average 1 games per month. Our games range in scope from full Highland games competitions which can draw up to 90 athletes, to demos where our athletes work one on one with interested spectators to explain the sport. 

Ancient Athletics also hosts an annual judges clinic to help standardize the scoring and safety aspects of the Highland Games events.