Stone hoisting in Bressuire: Boulders and bold lifters

They tell me that the centuries old Bressuire Castle is, alas, crumbling in places.

Stonework

If some masonry stonework is needed at the castle, another type of stonework was accomplished there during the Highland Games of 8 and 9 June.

Some of the athletes turned Strongmen to the great delight of the crowd and showed what stuff they were made of when confronted with a series of stones

The aim of the game?

To hoist up onto barrels 5 stones weighing respectively 100, 110, 120, 130 and 150 kilo

Three bold lifters

To tell the truth, the word « stone » is totally inadequate.

“Boulder” would be more appropriate...

And bold you have to be to envisage such a feat!

Stuart ANDERSON from Scotland managed 3 rounds: he lined up the 100, 110 and 120 kilo stones on the barrels in 1’19.

Pieter Karst BOUMA from Holland, a newcomer to the discipline, went one stone better in 1’30

But the winner was …. Jonathan KELLY from Ireland who, leaving no stone unturned, crowned each barrel with its appropriate boulder in 1’34, thereby crowning himself king of the event.

 Needless to say, after this performance Jonathan’s Irish eyes were smiling!

Adapted by Mary PINET

Photos : Louis FRADIN and Alain CADU.

Copyrights: Highland Games, France