One of our own, Craig Carrothers Monument, Australasian Clan Commissioner and his daughter Kirsty, competed in the IHGF Highland Games with great success. Craig, Lizzie his wife, who is also the Regional Clan Secretary, Kirsty and Fynn their son, moved to Australia a few years ago. Craig, a qualified rugby referee and brewer, fell in love with the sporting events at the Highland games which led to Kirsty competing along-side him.
Lizzie holds a PhD and is a writing coach and in her spare time, music is her passion. She is a fine musician in her own right in piano, harp and guitar and is often accompanied by Craig on the fiddle. Fynn is a gymnast with the tenacity of his family, having competed in the state gymnastic final In Melbourne where, after a 6-year hiatus post covid and injuries, he fought his way back to give a great performance.
Kirsty, Fynn and Lizzie
The IHGF- Australian international Highland Games Championships took place in March 2025 the weekend of 21-22nd , organized by IHGF and IHGF Australian representative Rob Mitchell of Highland Muscle and Melbourne Highland games committee. The Australian Highland Games Championships bringing world-class traditional strength events, cultural celebration and exciting international opportunities for athletes.
The event serves as an official qualifier for the International Amateur Highland Games Championships in Norway, with winners of the open divisions receiving invitations and financial support to compete overseas.
Craig Carrothers Monument, Tossing the Caber
Organised by Highland Muscle, Wollongong, this year’s championships featured more than twenty athletes across men’s, women’s, masters and, for the first time, junior and teen divisions “This year is about growth,” said Rob Mitchell, Highland Muscle’s Australian representative. “From juniors through to masters, there are now clear pathways for Australian athletes to step onto the world stage. This event is not just about competition; it’s about building a future for Highland Games in Australia.”
The event serves as an official qualifier for the International Amateur Highland Games Championships in Norway, with winners of the open divisions receiving invitations and financial support to compete overseas.
Athletes from American and Europe travelled to Melbourne Australia to compete with also 20 plus Australian and New Zealand Athletes, a total of 50 plus athletes will be battling it out in classes from A , B , lightweight, Masters 40,50, 60 and 70 plus groups and also pro class. As well as the Australian international Highland games championship titles up for grabs in each of the categories there is also the IHGF – World Hammer Throwing and World Weight for distance championships in each of the Categories.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
OCT 4&5, 2025
Celtic-Fest Warwick
Craig second from the right, resplendent in Carruthers Tartan with his Championship Trophy
MEN’S MASTERS 50+
🥇 Craig Monument (55+)
🥈 Rodney Watson
🥉 Nick Lintern (55+)
4th Pat Whymark (60+)
We send our sincerest conratulations to Craig Carrothers Monument, the Clan Commissioner for Australasia whose skills and tenacity in his chosen sporting activities know no bounds and have led to success. Craig, born in the UK having moved with his family to Australia, is a member of the Chief’s Council
The list of athletes from American and Europe who were confirmed to attend
Woman’s Masters 50 plus / lightweight Group
Teresa Nystrom -USA – 50 + lightweight
Amy bush Cushman – USA – 50 + Lightweight
Woman’s Masters 50 plus Group
Katy Horgan 50 +
Denise Ryan – 50 +
Woman’s Masters 60 plus Group
Cindy Johnson 60 +
Pam Turnbull Canada – 60 +
Woman’s Masters 40 plus Group
Stacey Marble – USA – 40 +
Liz Elliot – Scotland – USA 40 +
Steph – Switzerland 40 +
Laura Anthoney – USA 40 +
Susan Richter – USA 40 +
Male 40 Plus Lightweight Group
David marble. – USA – Lightweight 40 +
Simeon Bruger – Switzerland Lightweight 40 +
Patrick van Antwerpen – Holland 40 +
A Group
Andrew Heaton – USA – A group
Eric Sachs – USA – A group
Chase Wiley. – USA -A group
60 Plus Group
Mark Buchanan 70 +
50 plus Group
Neil Elliot – Scotland 50 +
Kendo Kobuto – Japan 50 +
Wybe Zeilstra master Holland -50+
Wilfred van Est, 50+ group
Professional Group
Eddie Brown – USA
Colin Dunbar – USA
Nik Aston – USA
Peter Karst Bouma Holland
IHGF – International Judges
Doug McDonald – USA
Chad Ullom – USA
Tom Van Vleck – USA
Ian Elder – USA
Michelle Crownhart – USA
Dave Glasgow- USA
Terrific blog – it’s so exciting to see these photos, after Craig finished so well. Both Kristie and Craig worked very hard to pull all this together. The competition was tough, old friends were welcomed and new friendships were formed. And long may they all continue!
It was my pleasure. I couldnt do it at the time, few issues this end but hopefully resolving
Keep safe
Gx