World Stone Lifting Features
This section explores Stone Lifting traditions and feats from across the globe.
Stone Feature No.13
Steinstossen (Swiss Stone Putting) is one of Europe’s oldest strength traditions, dating back to at least the 13th century.
Athletes explosively launch heavy stones for distance using a blend of power and refined technique.
Standard competition stones typically range from 12-40 kg, while the legendary Unspunnen Stone weighs 83.5 kg (current record - 4.16 metres) and the Ybrigerstein (Ybrig Stone), weighing 90.5 kg (current record - 3.52m).
Still contested today at the historic Unspunnenfest, elite competitors aim to surpass throws of over 4 metres with these immense stones, an extraordinary feat that connects modern lifters to centuries of Alpine heritage.​
Stone Feature No.12
Basque stone lifting, known locally as harrijasotze, has a long tradition among lavanderos, or those who historically worked in the fields and quarries, dating back to at least the 17th century.
These workers developed remarkable upper-body strength through the daily labour of hauling heavy stones, which naturally translated into lifting competitions that became popular by the 19th century.
In lavanderos’ stone lifting, stones of varying shapes and sizes are hoisted onto shoulder, with modern harrijasotze competitions formalised in the 20th century.
It has preserved the techniques of the lavanderos, blending heritage, skill, and strength into a unique Basque sporting culture.
Stone Feature No.11
Icelandic lifting stones are generally called aflraunasteinar or steinatök. Historically used to test the strength of fishermen and sailors
These stones are classified by weight, ranging from Amlóði ("Weakling"): ~23 kg (51 lb), Hálfdrættingur ("Weakling/Half-Carrier"): ~54 kg (119 lb), Hálfsterkur ("Half-Strong"): ~100 kg (220 lb) and Fullsterkur ("Full-Strong"): ~154 kg (340 lb).
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Lifting stones are central to Icelandic strength culture, with many stones still used today in Strongman competitions.
Stone Feature No.10
In Scotland the lifting stones are know by their Gaelic term 'Clach Cuid Fir' which translates to "manhood stones".
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The stones were historically used by clans to test the strength, endurance and maturity of youngsters, who were typically required to lift a stone to waist height or a plinth in the village to prove their readiness for work or battle.
Though it declined in the 20th century, the Clach Cuid Fir are re-emerging once again, preserving a distinctive part of Scotland's strength heritage.
Stone Feature No.9
In Pakistan’s traditional akharas, Gutti stone lifting uses uniquely carved stones with deep handholds, often lifted with a single hand.
Practiced since the Mughal period (16th–19th century), these stones frequently over 140kg develop grip strength, balance, and coordination.
Emphasising controlled one-handed lifts to the thigh or waist, the practice was closely tied to kushti training and displays of strength.
Though it declined in the 20th century, Gutti lifting is now re-emerging, preserving a distinctive part of Pakistan’s strength heritage.
Stone Feature No.8
In ancient India, stone lifting has long been part of traditional strength culture, particularly within akharas (wrestling gyms), where large stones known as Nal Uthana or lifting spheres were used to build power for grappling and often paired with Har Nal or stone rings.
Practiced for centuries and documented as early as the Mughal period (16th–19th century), these stones often weighed well over 100kg and were lifted to the chest or shoulder as a display of strength and discipline.
Though the tradition declined with the rise of modern training in the 20th century, it has seen a recent revival, with strength athletes and historians working to preserve and reintroduce India’s rich stone lifting heritage.
Stone Feature No.7
In the Edo period (1603–1868), Japanese stone lifting known as Chikaraishi emerged as a test of strength among labourers, fishermen, and firefighters, who used carved stones to demonstrate power and endurance.
Often housed at Shinto shrines, these stones ranged from 60kg to over 200kg, with successful lifts sometimes inscribed directly onto them.
The tradition declined in the early 20th century, but has since seen a gradual revival through cultural preservation efforts and renewed interest in historic strength practices.
Today, surviving stones and modern enthusiasts are helping to reawaken Chikaraishi as a living link to Japan’s strength heritage.
Stone Feature No.6
Rooted in the island of Rurutu, Polynesian stone lifting, known locally as Amoraʻa Ofaʻi has been practiced for centuries as a test of strength, status, and identity.
By the 1800s, traditional festivals showcasing such feats were suppressed by missionaries, before re-emerging under French rule in 1881 during Bastille Day celebrations.
The discipline itself was introduced to the modern Heiva I Tahiti festival in 1982, later formalised when the event was renamed in 1985.
Today, athletes lift stones often exceeding 160kg, competing for speed while continuing a tradition once tied to rites of passage, inter-village rivalry, and cultural pride.
Stone Feature No.5
Big Title
Tom Stoltman is a British Strongman and the 3x WSM.
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In 2020, he set the World Record for the heaviest atlas stone lifted over a 4-foot bar.
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During the Ultimate Strongman event, Tom lifted a 286kg / 629lb atlas stone over a 4-foot bar at 163kg / 359lbs body weight, solidifying his reputation as the "King of the Stones".
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The record still stands.
Stone Feature No.4
Paddy Haynes is an English strongman.​
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In 2025, he set the World Record for the Húsafell Stone carry.
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The legendary 186 kg (410 lb) Icelandic stone was originally used as a sheep-pen door by the 18th-century farmer-priest Snorri Björnsson, who began the tradition of testing fullsterkur (full strength) by carrying the stone once around the pen.
Haynes carried the stone 109.95 metres — three full laps of the sheep pen — marking a landmark achievement in the history of strongman.
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The record still stands.
Stone Feature No.3
Mieltxo Saralegi is a Basque Stone Lifter who specialized in Harri-Jasotzea (traditional Basque Stone Lifting).
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He achieved the World Record in 2001 for the heaviest stone ever lifted to the shoulder, raising a 329 kg (725 lb) stone — a landmark achievement in the history of the sport.
The record still stands.
Stone Feature No.2
Regan Bridge (The Kiwi Stoneman) is a New Zealand Stone Lifter that trained exclusively with Stones.
The Kiwi Stoneman was known for lifting massive natural stones (in the range of 195 - 225kg) long before stone lifting was widely documented online.
Regan’s approach reflected the old ways: lift real stones, progress slowly, master technique, and let strength develop naturally over time (autoregulation).
Stone Feature No.1
Iñaki Perurena is a Basque Stonelifter who specialises in
Harri-jasotzaileak (traditional Basque stone-lifting).
He achieved the world record in 1993 for the heaviest Atlas stone ever to be shouldered at 211 kg (465 lb).
The record still stands.
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