How did you get involved in the Highland Games?

My grandpa and my dad did Highland games. They were like, “you are the third kid and a daughter, so you are going to do this.”  I have been doing it since I was about 15. This is my twentieth-year throwing.

How do you train?

I do some regular weightlifting, cardio, and throwing practice. My husband is a thrower too; so, we do it together.

Do you have all this stuff in your backyard?

We do. We have a whole set of stuff. We are in the mid-Atlantic region. We are close to D.C. My family runs some of the games in the area. We have all the equipment. We train new throwers and different folks who want to check it out.

You have an unfair advantage.

I don’t know about that. There are some really talented athletes. The equipment does help. It keeps you into it because you have the stuff to work with.

Have money will travel?

I have been really fortunate. I wouldn’t say have money will travel. I would say really good at finding a deal. I have a lot of friends. There were some folks here from Alaska. I was fortunate enough to go up there this past year. I stayed at their house. It’s about making friends and extending those relationships, so you have places to stay and people to hang out with. It is fun when you go to different cities and see different places with different people.

This is the friendliest group of competitors I have been around. What is up with that?

We want to beat you on your best day.  We want everyone to do their best. We are all really friendly. The jerks get weeded out. You gotta be a good person to be in this crowd.

Is anybody getting rich off of this?

No. I think people are getting poor off of this. There are some people who have sponsors. There is a pro men’s class and an elite women’s class. Sometimes they do get paid for their adventures. Nobody is pulling a salary off of this. You gotta have a day job.

Is there anything that I didn’t ask you that you think I should have asked you? If so, go ahead and answer that question.

Most people would say their favorite part of the sport is the camaraderie between competitors. Everyone is really into it. They want their friends to be successful and put through. We are all really good people; we are nice to each other, and we have a good time.