Keg-tossing explained

Keg-tossing (or keg toss or weight over bar) is a traditional strength sport that involves the heaving of a standard half-barrel beer keg or a similar implement. The keg must be completely emptied before it should be tossed for better stability and to avoid injuries. The basic technique involves swinging the keg in a pendulum like manner and releasing when it is at its apex.

Highland games and Strongman competitions

Throughout centuries, several variations of the traditional movement has been carried out during Highland games. In Ireland, empty beer kegs of different weights and sizes have been typically thrown over upwards and the height of the toss determined the winner. Another variation in Scotland combined techniques of both the discus and hammer throw. Rather than height, this form measured the farthest distance. In both variations, athletes were given three attempts to throw the keg and the winner was determined by measuring the height or the distance tossed.

In 1980 World's Strongest Man, 'weight over bar' event was introduced where the competitors had to throw a 25.5 kg (56 lb) weight derived from Highland games using only 1 arm for max height (a heavy block of iron was attached to a fixed small ring which itself was attached to a freely moving large ring, used to grip the weight. The weight was derived from the imperial unit Stone, where a weight of 4 stones (1 stone = 14 lb) was used as a counterbalance for weight measurements when buying or selling in the ancient Scottish markets).[1] In 1992 World's Strongest Man, the competitors had to throw a 30 kg (66 lb) Thor's hammer but this time using both arms for max height. In 1993 World's Strongest Man, the competitors had to throw a 20 kg (44 lb) concrete block over a contraption which was called the Trojan wall again for a max height. In 2010 World's Strongest Man, the competitors had to throw 8 beer kegs of increasing weights ranging from 17-24 kg over a 4 meter bar in the fastest time. At the 2017 Arnold Strongman Classic, the competitors had to throw very heavy sandbags over a 15 ft bar for max weight. In all the variations, the weights were thrown overhead, to the rear of the thrower, and over the top of the bar to prove clearance.

World Records

Max height/ Max weight

Speed

References

https://www.foxsports.com/ohio/video/1270467651836

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Highland Games . Highlands and Islands association of Celtic gatherings . mshighlandsandislands.com . 30 May 1989 . 1 November 2022.
  2. Web site: Hafthor Björnsson Sets New Weight Over Bar World Record Of 20 Feet, 3 Inches; Teases Competitive Return To Strongman . Andrew Gutman for Barbend.com . Barbend.com . 30 October 2022 . 31 October 2022.
  3. Web site: 2024 Arnold UK - Strongman. strongmanarchives.com. 17 March 2024.
  4. Web site: Hafþór Björnsson breaks World Record for Keg Toss. 24 March 2024. YouTube.com. 21 September 2014.
  5. Web site: 2024 Strongest Man on Earth. strongmanarchives.com. 17 August 2024.
  6. Web site: Hafthor Julius Bjornsson - Keg Toss 6 meters with 25kg keg. 19 September 2022. YouTube.com. 10 June 2012.
  7. Web site: Iceland's Strongest Man 2024 - Day 2 - Timestamp 23:51 . YouTube . 10 August 2024.
  8. Web site: Arnold Strongman 2017 Rogue Fitness . YouTube . 25 March 2022.
  9. Web site: World's Strongest Man 2014. Strongman.org. 19 March 2014. 9 May 2018.
  10. Web site: 2013 SCL Poland. strongmanarchives.com. 21 September 2013.
  11. Web site: Fastest time to toss 10 kegs (male). 8 July 2023. Guinness World Records. 28 February 2023.