The Highland Games originated in Scotland at clan gatherings. (Representative photo/Unsplash)
One person was killed in a hammer-throw accident during an event at the Highland Games in the Netherlands. according to New York Post, the incident took place on Sunday (7 August) at Geldrop Castle. The 65-year-old was visiting the palace when a 22-pound metal ball thrown by a contestant in the tournament hit the top of a wall and hit him. A trauma helicopter and other emergency services were dispatched to the scene, which were unable to rescue the man, police said, adding that they were investigating the incident.
A witness was quoted as saying Post: “The pendulum dropped, we saw the ball go over the hedge and then we heard a woman screaming very loudly. It wasn’t a spectator… so she didn’t see the ball coming.”
The identity of the tourist has not been disclosed. According to Brabant police, emergency services attempted CPR but could not be revived.
The sporting event was canceled after the tragic incident, Post The report said.
highland games
The Highland Games, according to the Encyclopdia Britannica, were originally athletic meetings held in the Scottish Highlands. The games originated in sudden competitions in clan gatherings, which were called by chiefs to conduct hunting, military exercises and generally the conduct of the clan’s business, it added.
A rebellion in 1745 put an end to these gatherings. The modern Scottish athletic games began 90 years later. There are currently about 40 major meetings and gatherings in Scotland alone.
The hammer throw has been a traditional feature of sports since ancient times.
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