USAWA

by Al Myers

When I was in Australia for the IAWA Gold Cup, meet promoter John Mahon organized a couple of other competitions in the days following the Gold Cup.  This made a full weekend of competition activities for our enjoyment!  The day after the Gold Cup a Heavy Events competition was contested at the Belmont Athletics Club.  The Highland Games were a major passion of mine for 20 years.  Between the ages of 20 and 40 I competed in over 300 games all over the US and Scotland, but NEVER in Australia!  I have been “retired” from the Highland Games for the past 10 years, but when John presented me with this unique opportunity to throw the heavy weights and turn a caber in Australia I couldn’t pass it up!  I knew I would be a “little rusty” since I have barely touched a throwing weight for 10 years, but once I got started it was alot like riding a bike – the technique was ingrained into my nervous system and I felt just like the “old days”.  Now others things have left me (like my speed, power and explosion!), but  when I picked the caber I felt solid with it technique wise and was able to turn it!  I even got to compete in the Masters Class which I have never done before in the games.  I had a GREAT TIME!  I really enjoyed the friendly competition I had with the Perth Powerhouse Peter Phillips.  We spent much of the day bantering with each other, but both of us gave it all we had. Days like this one make me remember why I love the Highland Games so much! There were a couple of young throwers in the open class that have unreal ability. I hope that they “stick with it” because both of them could have a bright future as the next great Australian Highland Gamer.

Thanks John and “the crew” for hosting this event. Who knows? It might inspire me to come out of retirement and hit the Highland Games circuit next year!