By Jackson Keenan, Assistant Sports Editor
This past Saturday Highland Games Competitor, Christian McClellan attempted to break four world records at the Barrow Brewing Company in Salado.
McClellan set out to break records in the Keg Toss for distance, one handed Keg Toss, two handed Keg Toss, and Sheaf Throw.
His first record breaking attempt was in the keg toss for distance, in which Christian threw a 27-pound keg over 50 feet for a new world record. In his very first attempt, Christian broke the record with a throw to 53 ft 5.5 inches. With more in the tank, Christian then attempted his second throw, which smashed the world record when he threw the keg 57 ft 9 in.
The next world record attempt was for the one-handed keg toss for height. The world record in this event was 17 ft, and with plenty of spectators watching, McClellan hoisted the keg over the world record height with ease. He attempted to beat that number but came up short in his 20 ft attempt
With two world records in the bag, McClellan sought after the two-handed keg toss world record. Although he set two world records, McClellan tried to get the 27 lbs. keg over the bar but unfortunately, he came up short.
His last record was the most daunting task with the sheaf toss. The sheaf toss consists of a satchel filled with hay weighing around 20 lbs. and using a garden fork to throw the hay over a certain height.
The way that the world record was set up created a unique challenge for McClellan as he explains
“This is going to be hard. I just know it is going to be hard. It is a very small target, but if I don’t get it, I got two today, and I am going to be happy about that,” said McClellan.
With his difficulties ahead, he took the stage and attempted the world record. While his endeavors at the world record were stunning, he unfortunately could not overcome the difficulties and failed to reach the world record height.
The addition of two new world records will hopefully translate into success at the Highland Games as McClellan turns pro in a Highland Games event in November.
