Kaitlin Hicks
This special edition of Feature Friday shines a spotlight on the incredible support our Stokesley business community provides to one determined local athlete, Kaitlin Hicks. As she strives for success on the world sporting stage, the businesses on our park play a crucial role in helping her reach her goals. Read on to find out how our community is helping her make history in a traditionally male-dominated sport, and how you too can get involved.
Over to Kaitlin.
From student to support
“I was born in Great Ayton and grew up in Battersby, attending Stokesley School alongside Charlie Tanfield and Ryan Drury, Kaitlin explained. “At 18, my family moved to a farm in Carlton, where I lived until relocating to Stokesley three years ago. Now, I’ve come full circle—working as a Teaching Assistant at Stokesley School, alongside some of my former teachers. It’s a rewarding role, especially supporting children with special needs.”
Turns out there may be something sporty in the water at Stokesley Secondary School! Ryan made the Team GB gymnastics squad whilst Charlie won a Silver Medal in Cycling at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Let’s hear from Kaitlin about her time there.
Natural talent
“My interest in sports began at Stokesley School when I first tried shot put in PE,” she said. “My teacher saw potential and urged my mum to find a coach. The closest options were in York or Gateshead, but with my horse riding commitments, the travel wasn’t realistic. So, we chose to self-teach—YouTube tutorials became my coaching!”
A chance encounter
“After ordering my first shot put online, we eagerly awaited its arrival. When the delivery driver noticed the small but heavy parcel, he asked about it. Once we explained, he said, ‘I have a friend in Middlesbrough who does that!’ We took his friend’s number—and that’s how David replaced YouTube as my coach. At the time, David was still competing in the Highland Games, though at 12, I was hesitant to join. Instead, I focused on shot put, competed regularly, and consistently ranked in the UK’s top ten for my age group.”
From grief to glory
“In 2021, I faced a huge personal loss—first my grandma, then my horse passed away within months. Grief hit hard, and I stepped away from sport for a year to focus on my wellbeing. During that time, I lost my agility and fitness, which only added to the struggle. In April 2022, Coach David reached out, asking if I’d consider trying the Highland Games now that I was 25. Something clicked, and I decided to go for it. It wasn’t easy—I had to work hard to rebuild my strength and form. My first competition was the UK Championships in North Berwick in August 2023, where I placed 2nd. That’s when I truly realised I had a natural talent.”
The Highland Games
The Highland Games have notoriously been a men’s sport for many years. How has Kaitlin found competing there?
Lifting the limits
“Though traditionally seen as a men’s sport, women have competed in the Highland Games for over 70 years,” Kaitlin explained. “In the last decade, interest has grown, with more women stepping forward to take part. Recently, a fellow competitor and I persuaded 10 Games to include women—some welcomed the idea, others hesitated, but overall the response was positive.”
Flexing your muscle
“Last year, I competed in 15 Highland Games, including one in France. Each event includes five throws: shot put, caber toss, hammer, and one-handed weight for distance and height—with three attempts per height using a 28-pound weight. Cabers range from 40–80 kg and 14–18 feet long. It’s more precise than people realise—points depend on how the caber lands on a clock face, with 12 o’clock being perfect. Points and prize money are awarded per event, and totals decide the overall winner. Strategy matters, too, since some competitors are stronger in specific events.”
So what is the training scheduled like for athletes like Kaitlin?
Train to gain
“From mid-September onwards, we focus on weight training, speed, and power work in the gym,” said Kaitlin. “This year, we added more sprinting. In March/April, we shift to throwing, which continues until the season starts in May. We work on technique 2-3 times a week. I train with my coach twice a week and practice caber tossing at my mum’s house due to the space—there’s not much room in Stokesley, and I’m not sure my neighbours would appreciate a flying caber! Weekends are spent tossing the caber in my mum’s garden, where my husband helps set it back up.”
Moment of change
“After my season ended in September, I set my sights on the IHGF World Championships. To reach that goal, I knew something had to change. While I’ve always been naturally strong, with size 9 shoes and big hands, I realised I needed to become more agile. Poor sleep had also been a persistent issue. Once I committed to the idea of competing at the World Championships, my mindset shifted. At 28, I know I’ve got around 7 years left at a competitive level, and I’m determined to make the most of it. Since September, I’ve trained hard and lost 6 stone. With more energy and laser focus, I’m confident I can go far.”
Six stone in 8 months? That’s an incredible achievement in itself! Let’s hear more about how the World Championship journey is going.
World stage awaits
“Francis Brebner, President of the International Highland Games Federation (IHGF), selects the IHGF World Championship invitees each year,” said Kaitlin. “In the USA, you must win a certain number of games and earn points to qualify, but in Europe, selection is based on performance. I was thrilled to be chosen, alongside my training partner and good friend Eve. We’ll represent England at the World Championships in Norway on July 11th.”
Other than the events themselves, let’s hear about the biggest challenge Kaitlin faces.
Stretching the budget
Kaitlin explains, ”Travel is my biggest expense for competitions. As a teaching assistant, I don’t have a large wage, so I have to get creative with finances. Last year, travel alone cost me around £1200 for the Highland Games. To save, my husband and I camp or drive early on event days to avoid accommodation costs, though traffic can be tricky. Sometimes, we need overnight stays, especially for back-to-back events, and rural Scotland hotels aren’t cheap!”
So how can our community help Kaitlin put Stokesley on the World stage?
Community power
There are a few meaningful ways to get involved:
1. Financial Sponsorship Help cover the costs of travel and accommodation. In return, your business could be promoted via Kaitlin’s competition clothing, social media, and local media coverage.
2. Service Sponsorship Do you provide a sports related service? Contributing your expertise can make a big difference and will also be acknowledged publicly.
3. Product or Equipment Sponsorship
Donations of essential items like grip products, training supplements, or even some Swarfega -(yes really!) would be incredibly helpful. Every contribution helps Kaitlin focus on performing her best.
All sponsors, no matter the type or size of support, will be really appreciated.
Grateful for support
Kaitlin adds, ”The support I’ve received has been incredible, and I’m still in shock about making it to the World Championships! I couldn’t have done it without the help of businesses on the park. Lucy at Richardson Podiatry cares for my feet and is helping me find sponsorship. North Yorkshire Physiotherapy donates their time to keep my body in shape—when my body’s nourished, my mind follows. I’m so grateful for their support. I also rely on Platinum Motors, as I can’t afford a breakdown on the way to an event!”
If you or your business would like to be part of Kaitlin’s story, now’s the time. Whether it’s through sponsorship, spreading the word, or simply offering encouragement, your support makes a difference.
Contact Kaitlin directly on 07749 784343 or 📩 kaitlin_hicks97@icloud.com
You can follow Kaitlin on Instagram and via the Teesside Throwers Squad Facebook Group
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