Steinstossen (translated to 'stone throwing' in English) is theSwiss variant ofstone put, of throwing a heavy stone overhead using both arms for the longest distance.[1] Practiced among the alpine population since prehistoric times, it is recorded to have taken place inBasel in the 13th century. During the 15th century, it is frequently recorded to have been practiced alongside theSchützenfeste of theOld Swiss Confederacy.
The historical throwing event is also central to theUnspunnenfest, a festival inaugurated in 1805 inInterlaken near the old ruins ofUnspunnen Castle in theBernese Alps, and held once every twelve years.
One of the main highlights of the Unspunnenfest is the 'Unspunnen stone throw' where the contestants have to begin on a 6.1 metres (20 ft 0 in) runway, hurling the 83.5 kg (184 lb) stone into a 4-inch-deep (100 mm) sand pit. The unique stone is carved out from Aaregranite of theHasli valley.
(2025 Eidgenössischen Schwing und Älplerfest,Mollis)[2] (2023 Unspunnenschwinget,Interlaken)[4]In 1860, Steinstossen was introduced as a track-and-field discipline inGermany, retaining the name in spite of the stone being replaced by a 15 kg (33 lb) block of iron.
Within the United States, the Ohio Swiss Festival inSugarcreek has the distinction of being the longest running competition, having run annually since 1956.[6] Contestants in the men's division hurl a stone weighing 61.25 kg (135 lb). They begin on a 6.1 metres (20 ft 0 in) runway, hurling the rock into a 4-inch-deep (100 mm) sand pit. The record holder of this event for 21 years wasJud Logan of North Canton, Ohio, with a throw of 4.37 metres (14 ft 4 in). That record was broken by Beaux Lenarz in 2005 with a throw of 4.42 metres (14 ft 6 in). There is also a women's division, using a 34 kg (75 lb) stone. The women's record is held by Roberta Collins of Sandusky with a throw of 3.87 metres (12 ft 8 in).
Steinstossen at the annual German-American Festival, in Toledo, began in 1989. The competition is scheduled for a two-hour period beginning at 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Kevin Marx of Toledo, in 2009, had a throw of 4.66 metres (15 ft 3 in). A different rock is used at this festival than is used at the Ohio Swiss Festival so the two cannot be directly compared, even though both rocks weigh the same. The women's record at the German-American Festival is held by Becky Ball of Marblehead with a throw of 3.94 metres (12 ft 11 in), in 2007.
The steintossen is one of the regular events which may feature, on a selective basis, in the annual Arnold Strongman Classic competition. In the 2023 competition in Columbus, Ohio, the contestants had to throw an 84 kg (185 lb) replica of the Unspunnenfest stone. Poland'sMateusz Kieliszkowski threw the stone for 3.47 metres (11 ft 5 in) to win the men's event.[7][8] The women's competition was won by Victoria Long of USA who threw a 50 kg (110 lb) replica for 3.31 metres (10 ft 10 in) to win the event.[9]
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