I just got this email from my older brother, shown here pulling a bus behind him in the 2003 Strongman competition, who's set and achieved an extremely impressive and motivating goal in just 3 years. Instead of trying to paraphrase it, I'll just share what he sent... way to go, David. I'll be there this year to cheer you on.
On Labor Day Sep. 2003 in Pleasanton Ca. Julia and I sat in the stands watching the best Highland Games athletes in US compete and now three years later I will be one of the athletes on the field.
Now for the reality! I have only been doing this for two years and three months. I have to compete with the following Ron McKee college track and field star who through the 16 pound shot 63' 11”, former Highlands Games Pro and Masters World Champion, 2001 & 2002. Dan John is ranked 5th as a Master Highland Games athlete, holds the American Record in the Weight Pent and holds numerous National Championships in weightlifting and throwing. Brent Abbott ranked 2nd as a Master Highland Games athlete, 2005 31st U.S. Champion, SAAA National Master's 2006 Champion. One is a former NFL offensive center the Browns! The list keeps going, but you get the idea! Gee whiz welcome to the big leagues!
My goal was to be good enough to compete with the very best. I made it! I'm still in shock and honored! Now my goal is to break some if not all of my personal recorders, not to take last place and most important to have fun. Not to worry, I'll give it my best shot. They may have to carry me off the field, but my name will be forever in the record books.
This is the best Highland Games Festival (www.caledonian.org) in the US, with so much to see and do for the whole family. Over fifty Highland Games athletes will be competing on Saturday and Sunday. I can’t visit with anyone when I’m on the field but for those of you that would like to see me compete I can send a games events schedule once it’s been update for this year’s game.