This week, we have a guest writer from ‘across the pond’. Dr. Kristen Rumley is a U.S. Air Force veteran, licensed mental health therapist, and internationally ranked Highland Games athlete. She’s a three-time record holder in the spinning weight over bar and placed 3rd in the 2024 Masters World Championship.
Passionate about women’s empowerment, health and whole self, and mental wellness, Kristen believes in showing up fully, honouring your health, and living boldly.
She is currently welcoming sponsors who share her mission of strength and visibility for women in sport. If you’re interested in sponsoring her, you can reach out through kris10forpresident@gmail.com.
Four years ago, I showed up to my very first Highland Games with zero training, no coach, and absolutely no clue what a sheaf bag even was. I just knew I wanted to try something bold—something wildly different—and something I could do side by side with my husband. So, I threw myself into the women’s open class, picked up a 28-pound weight, and gave it everything I had.
Spoiler alert: It was heavy. It was awkward. And it was amazing.
That first throw didn’t just launch a weight—it launched a journey that would change my life.
Behind the scenes, I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran, licensed mental health therapist, mom to three beautiful children, three amazing stepchildren, and wife to an incredible man—juggling life just like so many other women who dare to make time for something bold and empowering.
That’s why being invited to write for Scottish Women in Sport feels like such a full-circle moment. As a proud American athlete with deep Scottish roots, I get to share how the ripple of these ancient Games has reached across the Atlantic—sparking a sisterhood, a movement, and a whole new era for women in strength sports.
So if you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to try something new… or too wild to chase something hard… I’m here to tell you: throw the weight. Show up anyway. You belong here, too.
United States: Women Filling the Field
In the U.S., especially here in Texas, women’s classes at Highland Games used to be tiny—maybe one or two of us would show up. But in recent years, something shifted. More and more women started showing up, training, and staying. And not just showing up—they’re competing hard.
We’ve seen entire divisions grow, especially Masters women (ages 40+) and the lightweight classes. The growth has been incredible to witness. In Texas alone, we recently held our first all-women’s Highland Games, and 43 women competed. While many weren’t brand new, the majority had been competing for less than five years. That tells you everything: the pipeline is growing, and the sisterhood is strong.
We’re now at a point where women’s classes aren’t an afterthought—they’re often a draw. Not because we’re the most exciting or strongest—but because we’re showing up in numbers, and we bring passion, grit, and connection that’s changing the culture of these events.
More Than Medals: Strength of Mind & Body
My athleticism over the years has ebbed and flowed. I was a Division I track and field athlete in college, but that was over 25 years ago. Life happened, weight fluctuated, and like so many women, I got busy taking care of everyone else. At my heaviest, I was over 250 pounds, and I didn’t always recognize the strong athlete within me.
As I trained, I got stronger and more confident. I started competing in different classes—Open Women, Lightweight, Masters. I set my sights on international goals. And in 2024, I earned an invite to the Masters World Championship—and placed 3rd in the world.
But here’s the thing: medals aren’t what keep me here. They’re nice, but they’re not the why.
The Bond That Brought Me Back
There have been moments when I didn’t perform the way I wanted to. When I felt discouraged. When I was overwhelmed by trying to figure everything out.
But what kept me coming back? The women. Always the women.
We show up, not just with our gear and grit, but with our whole lives in tow. We bring our stress from work, our roles as moms, daughters, wives, friends—and we find the space to connect, to compete, and to lift each other up regardless of what we’re juggling. That’s what women do. We do it anyway.
Because of that connection, a grassroots organisation was born: Sisterhood of the Highland Games Throwers. It’s not mine, but I deeply believe in its mission—to encourage and empower women to keep showing up and stepping into this sport. At many games, a “Sister of the Day” is recognised, women exchange patches and tokens, and we celebrate our collective strength. It’s not just a movement in the U.S.—you can feel it globally.
A Historic Moment in Scotland
This August, I’ll be heading to Scotland to compete in a truly historic event: the World Female Heavy Event Championships at the Glenurquhart Highland Games in the Loch Ness region.
This is the first time that Scotland will host a competition centred entirely around elite women throwers from around the world. It’s a celebration of how far the sport—and gender equality within it—has come. Historically, women have not been widely recognised in the Highland Games, but this championship marks a pivotal shift in visibility and inclusion.
To be one of the twelve women invited from across the globe is a dream come true. But more than that, it’s a statement: women belong here. On this field. In this moment. Making history.
My final thoughts to every woman reading this:
You’re not too old.
You’re not too late.
You’re not too much—or not enough.
We all belong here.
Scotland, I’ll see you soon—and I’ll be throwing for every woman who’s ever wondered if she could.
With strength & slàinte,
Dr. Kristen Rumley.
