Laurie MacDougall Sookraj became the first Canadian woman to lift the 733-pound [1] Dinnie Stones at the Aboyne Highland Games in Scotland.
The achievement marks a historic milestone for Canadian strength athletics, as the lift is one of the most grueling tests of power in the Highland Games tradition.
Sookraj reached the goal following a year of intensive training. This success came after an initial attempt to lift the stones ended in failure. The Dinnie Stones are a legendary feat of strength requiring the athlete to lift two heavy stones from the ground to the hip.
Reports said only five athletes worldwide succeeded in lifting the stones at the event [2]. The physical demand of the lift requires immense core stability and grip strength, traits Sookraj developed through her rigorous preparation period.
The event took place at the Aboyne Highland Games, where the tradition of the stones continues to challenge the strongest athletes from around the globe. Sookraj's success places her in an elite group of strength athletes who have mastered this specific Scottish challenge.
“Laurie MacDougall Sookraj became the first Canadian woman to lift the 733-pound Dinnie Stones.”
The Dinnie Stones are a benchmark of raw power in the strength community. By becoming the first Canadian woman to complete the lift, Sookraj increases the visibility of female strongwomen in traditional Highland Games, which have historically been dominated by male competitors.
