The sun-soaked Meadow Park, in Dornoch, on Friday 2nd August, was the first venue in the world, to hold mixed gender, track and field events, which used scientifically created and SHGA approved, gender adjusted tables. Their usage was trialled, on behalf of the SHGA, to try and 'level the playing field' between the abilities of either gender.

Jane Gardiner (43), who originated in Dornoch, but now resides in Sheffield, took part in the 220 yard foot race. She was given an advanced, gender friendly, start of 18 yards. Despite her age, she ran well, but was overtaken in the finishing straight, to finish 6th out of the competing 7 athletes.

Answering an SHGA call for more Women to compete at Highland Games, two athletes from the USA, made further history at the Dornoch Highland Gathering, by not only competing in their own Women’s Heavy events, but also in the ‘Open Heavy’ events, against 9 Males.

Elissa Harpner (30), from Chicago and Karina Benish (56) from California, thrilled the large and appreciative crowd, with their obvious throwing abilities. Elissa is the World Record holder in the Women’s 14lb Weight for Distance, with an impressive throw of 92’ 10”. Elissa even successfully turned Dornoch’s caber, in her final event.

A Daily Record newspaper report about the two female ‘Heavy’ athletes, can be read on the following external link: