Fraud Rocks the World Stone Skimming Championship: A First in 42 Years

The World Stone Skimming Championship, held annually in Scotland, has been marred by controversy this year. Competitors aim to skip stones across water, judged on distance achieved. Accusations of doctored stones have surfaced, with some participants admitting to the alterations. The event, typically held on the Isle of Easdale, saw over 2,000 participants from 27 countries this year. The use of modified stones, potentially to enhance skipping performance, is unprecedented in the competition’s history, according to officials. Natural stones found on the island are usually employed, and their size is regulated by a ‘Ring of Truth’ device. The competition, running since 1993, allows each participant three throws, and stones must skip at least twice to be scored. Kentucky’s John Jennings made history by winning the championship with a score of 580.7 feet, becoming the first American to win the event.