The 12 Champions: 1- Matt VINCENT, USA
The Highland Games blog has already posted the line-up of the International Highland Games Federation World Championship in Bressuire.
Now it's time to introduce the 12 high-flyers who will compete in the fantastic setting of the castle in Bressuire.
First on the list is Matthew VINCENT.
The 6'-280 Ibs American Hercules, will be one of the favorites for the IHGF Worlds Championships on June 13, 14.
It's obvious his Highland Games victories are quite remarkable
2011:
- 1st place at IHGF Amateur World Championships
- #1 ranked amateur highland games athlete for two years
- 2nd Place at IHGF Pro world championships
2012:
- 1st place at U.S. Open Championships in Chicago IL
- #1 Ranked Professional for 2012 NASGA Ranking
- IHGF Professional WORLD CHAMPION 2012
2013:
- 1st Place at inaugural Arnold Classic Highland Games in Columbus OH
- 1st place U.S. Open Championship in Chicago IL
- 2nd Place IGHF Professional World championships Dana Point CA
- 2nd Place Heavy Events World Championships at Loon Mtn, NH
2014:
- 1st Place World Heavy Events Championship in Dumfermline, Scotland
- 1st Place Celtic Classic (US CHampionship) in Bethlehm, PA
- 1st Place North American Championships in Enumclaw, WA
And his official biography seems to be as impressive as his performances :
"Matt is a strength athlete. He has competed in all different arenas including Track and Field Powerlifting, Strongman, Highland Games, and Weightlifting. Being able to travel the world competing and training with the best athletes you can find, has given him a unique perspective on strength training for athletes.
A well-balanced program
Starting as a collegiate shot-putter he lettered 4 years with LSU Track team and was part of the 2002 National Champion Team. Post college he has spent the last 7 years competing around the country and world in various strength sports. His main focus now has come full circle and brought him back to throwing.
The Highland Games are his main focus. Just like as a Collegiate thrower, his training has to be balanced between building max strength, power, and technique. An athlete cannot reach and maximize their athletic potential without a well balanced program.
After writing popular books on Training for both the Strength and Technical sides of Highland Games, he has started working one-on-one with athletes around the world providing them custom programming for their sport. "
His Highland games best throws:
Braemar: 45’ 6.5” 2012
OpenStone: 63’1” 2012 tied world record
56# weight for distance: 48’2” 2012
28# weight for distance: 94’2” North American Record 2012
22# hammer: 116’ 9” 2012
16#hammer: 142’ 2014
56# for height: 17’10” 2011 standing
(illustration Rampant Lion Highland Graphics)
More about Matt VINCENT
YouTube Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/mvincent4130?feature=mhee
Website: www.Mattvincent.net
Twitter: @matSOawesome
Instagram: matsoexplosion
More about the Worlds in Bressuire:
What you must know in a few clicks...
The World and Bressuire records
Coming next: Matt Vincent's portrait in French