Hurworth woman crowned World Highland Games Champion

Eve is “still in shock” after becoming the first British woman to win the International Highland Games Federation World Amateur Championships after beating all-comers at the top of a mountain in Norway.

The 22-year-old, from Hurworth-on-Tees, near Darlington, has been aiming for the world title since taking up the sport three years ago and quickly proving to be a star by becoming Scottish Champion in 2023.

She even raised travel costs for international competitions by challenging blokes to arm-wrestling contests for £10-a-go in the Emerson Arms pub in her local village, where she worked behind the bar.

(Image: Peter Barron) Now, her dedication has paid off, and she is world champion in the sport that features a range of throwing events, including the iconic tossing the caber.

“I was hoping to get in the top three but to win the world title is unbelievable – I keep having to pinch myself,” said Eve.

The other events in the Highland Games are the heavy shot put, light shot put, heavy hammer, light hammer, weight over the bar, heavy weight for distance, and light weight for distance.

(Image: Robson family) After two days of intense competition on a mountain in the Norwegian resort of Fefor, Eve had to finish in the top six in the final event – the light weight for distance – which involves throwing a metal ball attached to a chain.

Disaster almost struck on her first attempt when she threw the weight over the side of the mountain, and it had to be recovered.

However, she sealed victory with her second throw, defeating rivals from the USA, Germany, Netherlands, and France.

“I just started screaming when I won because I’ve worked so hard to get to the top of the sport,” added Eve, who is a member of the Teesside Throwers squad, and is coached in Middlesbrough by Highland Games veteran David Dowson.

“I was third in the World Championships in the USA last time, but I’ve steadily improved and got stronger, so all the training has been worthwhile. Hopefully, what I’ve done will encourage more women to try the sport because it’s a great discipline.”

She was supported in Norway by her family – mum, Karen, dad, Tim, and brother Harry.

“We’re super proud of her because we know how much effort she’s put in,” said Karen. “She’s lucky to have a coach who believes in her, and a great support network – everyone’s behind her in the village.”

Eve, whose next competition is the Scottish Championships in Airth on Saturday, plans to defend her world title next year and is hoping to find a sponsor.

“It would be nice to find a company to help with the travel and training costs because there are only so many men I can beat in arm-wrestling contests!” she said.

To find out more about sponsoring Eve, email eve.robson17@gmail.com