What happens when Ryan Vierra and John Godina team up to teach Highland Games events? Think about punching a hole in the sky.


Five-time Highland Games world champion Ryan Vierra is teaching a throws clinic at John Godina's World Throws Center (Mesa, Arizona). IronMind® | Randall J. Strossen photo.


Vierra is a Highland Games world champion and Godina is world champion (indoor and out) plus an Olympic medalist in the shot put, so these guys know how to throw. Ryan Vierra told IronMind®, "When John invited me, I agreed, but asked him to teach the stones, so I see this as a great bonus."

Vierra emphasized that even though he is a Highland Games specialist and John Godina has focused on the shot put and the discus, they share common DNA when it comes to throwing. "John and I come from the same background . . . John went to UCLA, so he was coached by Art Venegas . . . all of my fundamentals come from him."

Vierra was also lavish in his praise of John Godina's World Throws Center - no mere armchair conception, this is a premiere facility designed for the best in the field, by one of their own, and Vierra said he expects these clinics "to be a big hit." Incidentally, Vierra told IronMind® that he's "stronger than in my whole career" and that he's "going to the world championships to win," so here's your chance to learn from Ryan while he's on track to bring back his sixth Highland Games World Championships title.

"I'm a throws nut - it's my passion," Vierra said. "It's all I think about."

For full details on the Ryan Vierra Clinic Series, please visit the World Throws Center website.