MEET 2025 HARPERS FERRY HIGHLAND GAMES MASTERS SILVER MEDALIST KEVIN WRIGHT

Though Kevin Wright, 47, hails from Urbana, Md., he brought his own cheering section with him

when contending in the Masters (40-plus) division at the 2025 Highland Games. In college Kevin competed in shot put and discus. These days he mans a desk as an executive director at the National Institutes of Health. He was drawn to the highland games as a way of returning to competitive throwing in an interesting, varied format. Kevin’s strategy and drive paid silver dividends in his second appearance at Harpers Ferry last year. A member of the Mid-Atlantic Scottish Athletics (MASA) community, he aims to qualify for the Lightweight Masters division in forthcoming competitions, with a focus on developing technique and consistency across events. If he brings that cheering section with him, we expect he’ll have a leg up on his fellow athletes.

How did a 40-something executive find his way into a kilt as a highland games competitor?

I was looking for a way to get back into competitive throwing after years of general strength training. Given my background in shot put and discus, the highland games felt like a natural fit. I was introduced to the sport through local competitions and decided to enter the Harpers Ferry Highland Games. That first experience reinforced how technical the events are and how much there is to learn across the different implements.

In how many highland games have you competed?

To date, I’ve competed in two games, both at Harpers Ferry. This year I’m planning to expand my schedule as I continue to develop—maybe aim for four.

Was there a particular moment that hooked you?

It was the encouragement and coaching I received during my first competition at Harpers Ferry. More experienced athletes were willing to offer guidance between throws, which made a significant difference in how quickly I was able to learn. That made the sport feel both accessible and challenging at the same time.

The organizing authority, MASA, offers various categories of competition for men and women, by age, weight, etc. How can athletes leverage those categories to their advantage?

Athletes can benefit from selecting a division that aligns with their strengths. For example, the lightweight (under 200 pounds) category places a greater emphasis on speed, timing and technical execution rather than absolute strength, while the Masters division allows athletes to remain competitive, accounting for differences in recovery and longevity.

What advantages and disadvantages do you experience competing in the Masters division in your late 40s?

One of the main advantages is experience. Athletes in the Masters division tend to focus more on technique, pacing and long-term development, which can lead to steady improvement over time. The primary challenge is recovery. Managing training load, staying healthy and avoiding injury become more important. That requires a more deliberate approach to both preparation and competition. Overall, the division offers a strong balance of competitiveness and sustainability.

Do you think you’ll continue competing into the Senior Masters (60-plus) division?

That is the goal. One of the appealing aspects of the highland games is that it supports long-term participation. There are clear pathways to remain competitive as you age, and many athletes continue well into the Senior Masters divisions.

Do you have a favorite event? Explain what it entails and how to score one’s best at it.

My favorite event is the stone put. It’s the closest connection to my background in shot put, but with enough variation to make it feel new. It requires a balance of strength, technique and rhythm. Small adjustments in positioning and timing can have a significant impact on performance. The goal is to generate as much force as possible while maintaining control through the movement and achieving a clean release angle. When everything comes together, it’s a very satisfying event. The sheaf toss is a close second. It’s a different kind of challenge—more vertical than horizontal—and requires coordination, timing and a strong pull through the implement to clear the bar. I used to play a lot of golf, and I found similarities in the movement.

What’s the most challenging event and why?

The heavy weight for distance is the most challenging event for me. The implement demands a higher level of strength and control, and it’s more difficult to maintain speed and proper positioning through the turns. It requires patience and precise timing, especially compared to the lighter implement. Any breakdown in technique is amplified by the weight, which makes consistency difficult. The hammer is a close second. It’s highly technical, with a strong emphasis on maintaining posture, balance, and orbit control throughout the throw. Small errors can significantly impact the outcome, so it requires a lot of repetition to develop consistency.

What ways have you found to train or at least keep in shape during the off-season?

My training focuses on general strength and conditioning, with an emphasis on compound lifts, rotational movement and mobility to support performance and durability. This past off-season I managed a significant weight cut of approximately 25 pounds as I prepare to compete more consistently in the Lightweight Masters division. That required a disciplined approach to both training and nutrition. I’ve found that having a clear goal—such as preparing for a competition or targeting a specific division—helps maintain focus and consistency. Overall, the off-season is about building a strong foundation for the competitive season.

Have you suffered any injuries during competition?

I did experience abdominal strains during my most recent competition—first during the heavy weight for distance and then during the hammer. Both are areas I’m still developing, and the demands of those events exposed some weaknesses. I was able to finish the day, but it required about four weeks off from training afterward to recover. It reinforced the importance of proper technique, conditioning and knowing when to push versus when to manage risk. Overall, the sport is well-organized with strong attention to safety, but like any strength-based competition, it requires respect for both the implements and your own limits.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments on the field?

One of my proudest accomplishments was in the sheaf toss, which I unexpectedly won during my first year competing. It was a good reminder of how transferable certain skills can be across events. I was also proud of my progress in the caber. In my first year I didn’t record a single successful flip. In my most recent competition I was able to turn two cabers to the 12 o’clock position, which represented a significant step forward. More broadly, I take pride in the progression—building consistency across events and continuing to improve with each competition.

What advice would you give a newbie interested in participating in the games?

The best advice is to start. Find a local competition, connect with a group like MASA and be willing to learn. You don’t need to be an expert to begin. The community is very supportive, and most athletes are willing to share advice and help new competitors get started. Focusing on fundamentals—basic strength, movement and technique—will go a long way. From there, it’s about consistency and patience. It’s a technical sport, and improvement comes over time.