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Professional
Highland Gamer
FAQ |
You may be
surprised to learn that many competitors
in the ancient Scottish heavy events are
professionals who compete on an
international circuit. To give you a
better glimpse of the life of a
professional thrower, here are some
answers to many frequently asked
questions.
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Q: What exactly is the
international highland games circuit? |
A: Celebrations of
Scottish culture are held around the
World, nearly year round. Many of these
highland games are very large festivals
that attract thousands of spectators.
Among the most popular events at these
highland games are the heavy events;
tests of strength dating back to the
11th century. This network of games
constitute a circuit that is open to
both professional and amateur heavy
event competitors. The professional
circuit can take an athlete around North
America, Europe and the South Pacific.
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Q: What does it mean to be a
Professional Highland Games Athlete? |
A: Professional
‘heavies’ are throwers who have achieved
a great deal of mastery in the sport.
The road to becoming pro is typically
quite involved. Athletes will generally
enter the sport at small, local
competitions in the amateur class.
Depending on the results of those
initial competitions, an athlete may
choose to travel to larger amateur meets
and begin to ‘make a name for himself’.
When an athlete feels he is ready to
turn pro, he’ll usually enter a large
amateur championship to test himself
against other top AMs. If the results
are favorable, a decision to ‘turn pro’
is usually made.
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Q: What does being a ‘pro’
mean? |
A: Professional
highland games athletes are entitled to
win prize money as well as have their
travel expenses paid when attending
competitions. Professional class
competitions are held around the World
and have produced some truly
international sporting stars.
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Q: How much can a professional
highland games athlete make? |
A: It varies. Top
level athletes, who also have private
sponsors, have made upwards of $50,000
per year. Lower level pros can expect to
make $10,000 per season. Many
professionals also sign sponsorship
deals with large companies.
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Q: Who pays the prize money and
travel expenses? |
A: Typically, the
individual games that is hosting a
professional competition. Most pros
receive full airfare, accommodations and
a meal allowance. It is also up to the
games to pay prize money. Hosting a high
end, professional competition can range
in costs up to $40,000.
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Q: How many competitions do
pros usually attend? |
A: The international
highland games season usually runs from
early May to early October, in locations
around the World. Many elite level pros
will compete in 30-40 competitions per
year. Competitions are typically held on
successive weekends, making for no
shortage of travel for the international
professional athlete!
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Q: Where are professional
competitions held? |
A: The United
States, Canada and Scotland are home to
the majority of games on the
international circuit.
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Q: How are pros selected
for competitions? |
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A: Most large competitions (including
the North American, World, Canadian,
Scottish and US championships) use a
ranking system. Other, smaller, pro
competitions use an application system.
Pro athletes submit a request to compete
to the heavy events athletic director.
If the athlete is suitable for the
competition, an invite is extended. |
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