Lifting stone
Lifting stones are heavy natural stones which people are challenged to lift, proving their strength. They are common throughout Northern Europe, particularly Iceland (where they are referred to as steintökin), Ireland, Scotland, Basque Country, Faroe Islands, Wales, North West England centered around Cumbria, Switzerland, Southern Germany centered around Bavaria, Austria and also in the United States and parts of Asia such as Japan.[1][2][3]
Recently, lifting stones have been incorporated into the World's Strongest Man and other similar strongman competitions, using various cast, found, or established challenge stones such as the Húsafell Stone, Dinnie Stones, Steinstossen, Inver Stones and Odd Haugen Tombstone. They also do modernized versions of events derived from ancient contests, in which athletes would see who could load the heaviest stones onto a platform, known as Atlas stones.[4]
Famous lifting stones from around the world and the greatest stone lifters are listed below.
Iceland
[edit]In Iceland, lifting stones were traditionally used to qualify men for work on fishing boats. To qualify, a man would have to lift at least the hálfdrættingur stone (described below under Dritvík Stones) to hip-height onto a ledge. Lifting heavier stones would entitle the man to a greater share of the catch. The ultimate objective is to reach "fullsterkur" status, proving the lifter is "fully strong" by lifting the heaviest stones. Some famous Icelandic lifting stones are described below.[5]
Icelandic lifting stones
[edit]Húsafell Stone
[edit]
The most famous of Iceland's legendary lifting stones is the Húsafell Stone, named after the west country farming estate where it is located, about 132 km north east from Reykjavík. The triangular-shaped stone which weighs 186 kg (410 lb) is said to have been crafted from a large rock, back in 1756, by a local pastor named Snorri Björnsson. Nicknamed the 'Kviahellan' (pen slab) by Snorri, he used it as the gate to his sheep and goat pen, ensuring the animals remain in the pen without escaping. The stone has since been used by strongmen as a test of strength.
According to Icelandic folklore, there are three levels to which your physical strength is measured by the stone. In ascending capacity they are amlóði, hálfsterkur and fullsterkur. Someone who could break the floor with the stone (lift the stone from the ground) which is already a substantial feat of strength, is called lazybones (amlóði in Icelandic), while anyone who could squat down, lap and lift it up to their waist level would be considered half-strong (hálfsterkur in Icelandic). However, for the iconic Icelandic full-strong status (fullsterkur in Icelandic), a person should lift it up to their chest, stand with it and walk it around the approximately 34 metre (112 ft) perimeter for a full 360° revolution around the sheep and goat pen.[6] This final level can only be achieved by someone with extreme physical strength, stamina and endurance as hoisting the massive stone on to the chest while standing compresses the thorax and decreases lung capacity significantly.
Dritvík Stones
[edit]
At the tip of the west coast, on Djúpalónssandur beach at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, at the western end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, there lies 4 four-hundred year-old stones which are called Dritvík Stones. Historically, the sailors and fishermen who rowed out from this port would lift the stones to prove their worth to a ship's crew and earn themselves better pay. The four stones are classified as:
- Amlóði (hamlet or "weakling" ) at 23 kg (51 lb)
- Hálfdrættingur ("half-carrier") at 54 kg (119 lb)
- Hálfsterkur ("half strength") at 100 kg (220 lb)
- Fullsterkur ("full strength") at 154 kg (340 lb)
Judas Stone
[edit]Located in the Látravík cove at the westernmost point of the Westfjords region, the Judas Stone earned its name more than a century ago, when local farmers repeatedly tried to use it in the construction of a wall, only to have it 'betray' them like Judas by always slipping out of place due to its unbalanced nature. The stone weighs 127 kg (280 lb).
Brynjólfstak Stone
[edit]The heaviest of Iceland's legendary lifting stones is the 281 kg (620 lb) Brynjólfstak Stone, a 1.5 meter long basalt located near Tálknafjörður in the Westfjords region. Legend says that the stone was first pulled from the sea in 1845, when a mighty farmer named Brynjólfur Eggertsson asked four of the strongest men in the area to lift the giant slab on to his shoulders. From there, Brynjólfur is said to have attached the stone to him with straps and carried it uphill, to the nearby ridge where it is currently located. The stone has since been named in his honor.
Latra Stones
[edit]Also located in the Westfjords region between Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur in the famous seabird cliffs are four stones called Latra Stones. For many generations, local fishermen used them to stay fit and to gain bragging rights in their little time on dry land. Like the Dritvík Stones, there is a hierarchy based on their size: 96 kg (211 lb), 107 kg (236 lb), 144 kg (317 lb), and the heaviest of the four: 177 kg (390 lb) which is called the 'Alsterkur'.
There is also an additional fifth stone called the 'Klofi stone' weighing 200 kg (441 lb).
Leggstein Stone
[edit]This pillar-like stone which is also known as the Tomb Stone is said to mark the spot where an unfortunate farmer made a pact with the devil. As the story goes, the lazy farmer wanted a fast track to an easier, more prosperous life, so the devil offered him his dream if he could simply complete one task: lifting the 220 kg (485 lb) Leggstein stone. It is located in the middle of the Westfjords region in Heydalur near Reykjanes. The legend says the farmer is buried under the massive plinth near the stone, to be carried around the plinth for several revolutions for his salvation.
Petursstein Stone
[edit]Near Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords lies a black slate stone known as the Petursstein Stone weighing 175 kg (386 lb).
Árbær Stones
[edit]Located near Árbæjarsafn, an outdoor museum near Reykjavík, are eight stones called the Árbær Stones, with the heaviest of them weighing 143 kg (315 lb).
Others
[edit]Some lesser known Icelandic stones are: Bessasteinn, Brúarásskóli, Engjasteinar, England i Lundarreykjadalur, Haukadalur, Hestastein at Laufas Turf House, Myrdalssandur, Pakgil Stones, Porsteinshaf, Sjómannagarðurinn Power Stones and Vegatorfustein.
Scotland
[edit]In Scotland, lifting stones were used throughout generations as a tests of strength. 'Clach cuid fir' which is Gaelic for 'manhood stones' were used for young men to welcome into manhood when they were able to lift their clan's testing stone to waist height.[7] The traditional stone put is also a famous sport in ancient Scotland. Some famous Scottish lifting stones are described below.
Scottish lifting stones
[edit]Dinnie Stones
[edit]
Two stones with metal rings fixed to each located in Potarch, Aberdeenshire, made famous by strongman Donald Dinnie.[8] Weighing 332.49 kg (733 pounds) combined, the heavier stone weighs 188.02 kg (414.51 pounds) and the lighter stone weighs 144.47 kg (318.5 pounds). They were selected in the 1830s as counterweights for use in maintaining the Potarch Bridge. Lost following World War I, they were rediscovered in 1953 by David P. Webster.[8]
Strongmen lift the stones off the ground (also known as putting the wind under the stones) and also carry them or hold them for time as measures to check strength in different ways. The ultimate challenge is to replicate the 1860 performance of Donald Dinnie, by walking the original stones (heavier stone to be gripped from the front and the lighter stone from the back) over the historical Potarch Bridge distance of 17 ft 1+1⁄2 in (5.22 m). Another contemporary feat of strength is to pick up the stones from the sides and walk them in a farmers walk style carry. Lifting and holding the stones up unassisted without the use of lifting straps is widely regarded as a world class feat of grip strength.
Inver Stone
[edit]The original was an oval shaped granite stone weighing 118 kg (260 lb) which dates back to the 18th century.[9] In 2021 Rogue Invitational, the athletes had to lift a five stone set replica weighing 125-191 kg (275-421 lb) over a 4 ft platform, and in the 2020 Arnold Strongman Classic the athletes had to overhead press 125 kg (275 lb) and 136 kg (300 lb) replicas.
McGlashen Stones/ Atlas Stones
[edit]Inspired by the original Inver Stone, these are smooth and perfectly spherical stones carved out from granite used in Highland Games. The Stones of Strength event introduced first at 1986 World's Strongest Man and then 1987 Pure Strength is the beginning of the benchmark in modern day Strongman stone runs[10] where the competitors had to grip five stones of increasing weight in a sequencing order, lap them in a squatting position and finally hoist them to the top of wooden barrels.[11] In the initial competitions of the 1980s and 1990s, these barrels (now podiums), were of varying height, with the lightest stone requiring to be lifted approximately to a person's head height. The heavier the stone was, the closer it was located to the podium. From the 2000s onwards, the stones increased in weight (now called 'Atlas stones'), and the podium heights and distance from the stone were kept uniform.[12] Two of the most iconic Atlas stone runs today are the 5 Atlas Stones heavy set 120–200 kg (265–441 lb) and light set 100–180 kg (220–397 lb), which the world records are held by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (heavy set) and Tom Stoltman (light set) respectively.
Menzies Stone
[edit]Another historic spherical stone weighing 115 kg (253.5 pounds).[13]
Nicol Stones
[edit]Two stones inspired by the Dinnie Stones which are meant to be a stepping stone towards the Dinnies, weighing a combined 252 kg (555.5 lbs). The heavier stone weighs 138 kg (304 lbs) and the lighter 114 kg (251 lbs).[14]
Ardblair Stones
[edit]A recently developed series of nine concrete spheres ranging from 18 kg (40 pounds) to 152 kg (335 pounds) used in the Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games.
Others
[edit]
- Clach-ultaich such as lifting stone of Iain Garbh MacGille Chaluim of Raasay, in Duntulm[15]
- Blue or Charter Stones in the cemetery of old Dailly church[16][17] (Local council has bound them with metal bands to prevent their continued use)
- MacLeod's lifting stone in Rona[18]
- Farm stone of Auldgirth[19]
- Kidney shaped black basalt Leper's stone at Prestwick. (Used until it was broken; although the parts remain, built into the walls of the old chapel)
Faroe Islands
[edit]Every settlement in the Faroe Islands used to have its local lifting stone, called Hav,[20] derived from the verb hevja which means 'to lift'. Visiting men would be challenged by the locals to show off their strength.
One such stone is now part of a mural in the village of Mikladalur. Known as "Marjunar hav", it is said to have been lifted by Marjun, a milkmaid, in the 16th century.[21]
Wales
[edit]According to Y pedair Camp ar Hugain Welsh for "The 24 feats", stone lifting was a common practice. It was usually performed by young boys as a rite of passage into manhood. It is said that once a young boy could lift the stone to his waist he was considered a man. Furthermore, the stone was used to develop a man's strength in preparation for battle.
There was no set size, shape or weight for each stone. Stones varied, depending on what was available within the locality or on what was selected by the king of each region.
The king's teulu ("personal army", or "household") were selected from each village or town within his borders, based upon a man's ability to lift stones, run, jump, leap, wrestle, fence, shoot a bow and arrow and throw a spear.
To date, a 136 kg (300 lb) lifting stone called Garreg Orchest (also known as 'Ysbyty Ifan Stone)' is still in place in the town of Criccieth in Gwynedd, North Wales. Competitors travel from all across the UK to attempt to lift and carry this large stone. In 2012 David Horne walked it for 62 feet (18.9m).
Basque Country
[edit]Stone lifting is also a traditional Basque Country sport involving the lifting of stones, called harri jasotzea. Basque country is located in the western Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay.
There are several varieties of traditional Basque stones. 'Stone dragging/ giza proba' is a discipline where a very heavy rectangular stone is attached to a chain to be attached to the athlete around his waist or just to be gripped by a handle and the stone to be dragged for the furthermost distance. Cubic stones (Kuboa), rectangular stones (Laukizuzena), cylindrical stones (Zilindroa) and spherical stones (Biribila) are three different events where they are lapped and shouldered for as many reps as possible or for a one rep max.[22] In the ontzi eramatea event, the weights were originally milk canisters prior to stones. For his prowess with both ancient and modern stones, Iñaki Perurena is considered the greatest Basque stonelifter.
Switzerland
[edit]In Switzerland, affiliated to the Unspunnenfest, a festival held once every twelve years, a historic stone weighing 83.5 kg (184 lb) is thrown overhead for the longest distance. THe event is known as Unspunnen stone throw. The contestants begin on a 6.1 metres (20 ft 0 in) runway, hurling the Aare granite stone as far as they could into a 4-inch-deep (100 mm) sand pit. In 2004, Swiss carpenter Markus Maire established the current record in this event with a 4.11 metres (13 ft 6 in) throw.[23]
Bavaria
[edit]In Southern Germany centered around Bavaria, stone lifting has been a traditional sport since 1950s.[24] The most notable event is the Bavarian stone lift, where competitors have to lift a rectangular shaped stone attached to a ring, starting from a squatting position. Austria's Martin Wildauer holds the word record in this lift.
United States
[edit]Events involving carrying, walking, shouldering, loading, holding and throwing stones have become very popular in the US across many American highland games competitions. Organizations such as 'New England Stone Lifting' also arrange competitions like 'Festival at Fort 4' to popularize stone lifting among the general public.[25] Below are some of the most iconic stones.
Lundstrom Stones - At the Loon Mountain Highland Games in New Hampshire, there's a popular farmers walk event with a pair of stones which weigh 124.5 kg (274 lb) and 106 kg (234 lb) respectively. It was originated in 1983 and pioneered by stone-lifter John Lundstrom. In 2015, Iceland's Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson made a guest appearance and carried the stones for 140 ft 6 in for a new world record.[26]
Jón Páll Sigmarsson Stone - A sharp edged flat stone weighing 220 kg (485 lb) named after Jón Páll Sigmarsson which is kept in New Hampshire, and used in American Highland Games.
Odd Haugen's Tombstone - Norwegian Strongman Odd Haugen was gifted with a 186 kg (410 lb) oval shaped stone on his 58th birthday and since has featured at the Arnold Strongman Classic a number of times in the Stone to Shoulder event. Only 8 Strongmen (Marunde, Licis, Kieliszkowski, Shivlyakov, Björnsson, Belsak, Thompson and Novikov) have lifted this stone to their shoulder.[27]
Manhood Stones - In 2007, when Slater Strength Co. introduced the 237 kg (522 lb) Max. Atlas stone over 4ft bar event for the Arnold Strongman Classic in Columbus, Ohio, it went on to be popularized as the Manhood Stones. Throughout the years, stones got heavier and was frequently featured at Rogue Record Breakers. During 2024 Strongest Man on Earth competition at Shaw Classic in Colorado, Iceland's Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson broke the world record for the heaviest Manhood Stone ever lifted within a full competition by repping a 250 kg (551 lb) stone twice. Scotland's Tom Stoltman holds the world record for the heaviest Manhood Stone ever lifted at 286 kg (631 lb).
Asia
[edit]Japan
[edit]
In ancient Japan, stone lifting was carried out around Shinto shrines as a sport. サシ石 (Hiragana: さしいし)(sashi-ishi) ("overhead pressing stone"), 石担, (ishikatsugi) ("shoulder carried stone") and 石運び (ishihakobi) ("stone carrying") are some popular disciplines.[28]
Other parts of Asia
[edit]Rock carrying is traditional in Tibet, where the rocks weigh up to 150 kilograms (330 lb), and the rest of China.[29][2] Mongolia is also famous for their stone lifting. In India and Pakistan, rocks of over 80 kilograms (180 lb) are carried in many different ways.[30]
Notable stone lifters
[edit]- Below table summarizes the 10 greatest stone lifters in Strongman history.[31][32]
- No. of total career stone events against the No. of wins (international competitions/ open category).
| # | Name | Wins (Events) |
Win % | World Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
|
26 (46) | 56.52% | Húsafell Stone WR, Lundstrom Stones WR, Jón Páll Sigmarsson Stone WR, Manhood Stone for reps (250kg) WR, 6 Atlas Stones (100–200kg) WR, 5 Atlas Stones (130–186kg), (120–200kg), (140–200kg) WRs, Atlas Stone over bar (200kg) WR & Atlas Stone to Shoulder (142kg) WR |
| 2 |  Brian Shaw
|
25 (59) | 42.37% | 5 Atlas Stones (120–180kg), (130–180kg), (140–195kg) WRs & Manhood Stone for reps (243kg) WR |
| 3 |  Žydrūnas Savickas
|
21 (93) | 22.58% | 5 Atlas Stones (110–180kg) WR |
| 4 |  Magnus Samuelsson
|
17 (42) | 40.48% | Replica Húsafell Stone (93% and 87.5% of original) WRs |
| 5 |  Mariusz Pudzianowski
|
17 (53) | 32.07% | Africa Stone and Asia Stone WRs |
| 6 |  Tom Stoltman
|
15 (29) | 51.72% | Manhood Stone (Max Atlas Stone) WR, 10 Atlas Stones (100–200kg) WR, 5 Atlas Stones (100–180kg) & (150–210kg) WRs & Ardblair Stones WR |
| 7 |  Aivars Šmaukstelis
|
14 (30) | 46.67% | |
| 8 | Travis Ortmayer
|
13 (32) | 40.63% | 5 Atlas Stones (125–215kg) WR |
| 9 | Mateusz Kieliszkowski
|
12 (34) | 35.29% | Odd Haugen Tombstone to Shoulder WR, Replica Steinstossen (84kg) WR |
| 10 |  Mark Felix
|
11 (67) | 16.41% | 5 Atlas Stones (100–160 kg) WR |
- As at 18 August 2024
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Saks, Aleksander (May 30, 2007). "A Brief History Of Stone Lifting - Culture Of Stone Lifting: Iceland & Scotland". Physical Culture Study.
- ^ a b Fisher, Grace (2023-03-02). "Discovery of women's lifting stone sheds light on Irish traditions". HerSport.ie. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ Strossen, Randall J. (March 31, 2015). "Martin Wildauer win the traditional stonelifting competition in Munich, Germany". IronMind Enterprises, Inc.
- ^ "How to make an Atlas Stone". bodyresults.com. Archived from the original on 2015-06-19. Retrieved 2015-06-18.
- ^ "FULLSTERKUR". Rogue fitness. Retrieved 2022-04-06.
- ^ Sigmundsson, Svavar (June 2006). "Aflraunasteinar" [Icelandic Lifting Stones] (in Icelandic). Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
- ^ "The Art of Stone Lifting: Nature's Gym - by Scott Shetler". Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-10-25.
- ^ a b Shanks, Steven. "The Dinnie Stones: The Ultimate Challenge". ThedinnieStones.com. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
- ^ http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1095572/index.htm [dead link]
- ^ "Atlas Stones". theworldsstrongestman.com. Retrieved 7 June 2010.
- ^ "Everything You Need To Know About Hoisting Atlas Stones". Michael Gill for Barbend.com. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
- ^ "How Using Atlas Stones Can Benefit Almost Every Type Of Athlete". Matthew Barker for Barbend.com. 27 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
- ^ "Menzies Clan Society Newsletter".
- ^ http://www.thedinniestones.com/Photo%20Gallery/Dinnie%20Steens%20Weight%20Cert%202014.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ Dwelly, Edward (1911), Faclair Gàidhlig gu Beurla le Dealbhan/The Illustrated [Scottish] Gaelic-English Dictionary (4th ed.), Glasgow: MacLaren & Sons
- ^ Love, Dane (2009). Legendary Ayrshire. Custom: Folklore: Tradition. Auchinleck : Carn Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9518128-6-0 pp. 16 - 17.
- ^ Love, Dane (2009). Legendary Ayrshire. Custom: Folklore: Tradition. Carn Publishing. pp. 16–17. ISBN 978-0-9518128-6-0.
- ^ Robson, M. Rona the Distant Island (1991) Acair ISBN 0-86152-823-9
- ^ Watson, R. (1901). Closeburn (Dumfrieshire). Reminiscent, Historic & Traditional. Inglis Ker & Co. p. 54.
- ^ Visit Esturoy Archived 2014-03-05 at the Wayback Machine, pages 7 & 12
- ^ "Marjunar Hav". Retrieved 2020-03-15.
- ^ Rogue Fitness, USA (December 1, 2015). "Levantadores – Basque Country stone lifting heritage". IMDB.
- ^ Franz Hess (20 September 2006). "Markus Maire war nicht zu schlagen". Env-afgn.ch. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ Wood, John (December 29, 2012). "Bavarian Stone Lifting". www.oldtimestrongman.com.
- ^ "Attention! The inaugural New England Stone Lifting Competition at Festival at Fort 4 proudly presents a competition with five events - Featuring: Stone to shoulder for reps, Swiss Stone throw, Timed front hold, A stone load medley, and The World Famous Lundstrom Walking Stones!". INSTAGRAM @fort4fest. 6 June 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
- ^ "HEAVY ATHLETICS". newhampshirescot.org. 18 October 2015. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
- ^ "Odd Haugen's Tombstone". liftingstones.org. 7 April 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
- ^ Guttmann, Allen; Thompson, Lee Austin (2001). Japanese Sports: A History. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 39–41. ISBN 9780824824648.
- ^ "The Tibetan sport of rock-carrying _News_TIBET". m.tibet.cn. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ "Not too many fit enough for Illavata Kal challenge". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ "Most Successful Athletes: Stones". Strongman Archives. March 3, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
- ^ "Most Successful Athletes: Distance Carry". Strongman Archives. March 3, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
