Kincardine native competing in World Masters Highland Games

Kincardine mom competing in World Highland Games this weekend in Mississippi. CTV London’s Scott Miller reports.

Amanda Farrell Walsh is on her way to the World Masters Highland Games.

“It’s made up of about nine events. So, you’ve got your stone put, your weight for distance. Sheave toss. Hammer. The one that most people kind of identify with is the caber toss. The one that looks like the big telephone pole. That’s the one that they’re like, ‘Oh, Highland games’,” said the Kincardine native.

The 51-year-old Kincardine native turned to Highland Games competition about eight years ago. She had recently turned 40, had frozen shoulder, and thought she wasn’t ready to give up on physically challenging herself.

“I started doing kind of strength events and loved it. My son came to me and said, ‘I really want to learn how to do those Highland games’,” she said.

“And I just happened to know that there was a school in Fergus, through the Fergus Scottish Festival. So we went, the two of us, and we have been doing Highland Games ever since. That was eight years ago, and I will be doing it until I physically can’t anymore.”

Farrell Walsh’s love for the Highland Games, with roots dating back almost 1000 years, took her all the way to where the Highland Games began this summer.

“I had the opportunity to throw in Scotland this year, and to be able to wear my Mackay tartan and wear my kilt with pride in Scotland. It was a dream come true,” she said.

Farrell Walsh hopes her competitive spirit inspires others her age to take on challenges that might seem daunting at first, because the payoff is more than worth it.

“Find your race. Find your thing and get started and be open to wherever it takes you,” she said.

“Because for me, it has taken me all over the world, and pretty soon it’s taking me to Mississippi.”

Competition at the World Masters Highland Games takes place in Jackson, Mississippi this weekend. There will be 200 athletes from 40 to nearly 80 years old. This will be Farrell Walsh’s first time competing against the best Highland athletes in the world.

“Oh gosh, I didn’t even think an invite would come for another couple of years. So, I’m just super excited to be invited. But yeah, if I were to crack top 10, you’ll hear me screaming from Mississippi,” she said.