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Stone Skimming Worlds Crowns First U.S. Champion as Cheating Leads to Disqualifications

Officials said several entrants admitted using altered stones, and the Easdale charity event is weighing pre-selected rocks to deter tampering.

Overview

  • Kentucky’s Jonathan Jennings won the Sept. 6 World Stone Skimming Championships on Easdale Island, becoming the event’s first American winner.
  • Organizers confirmed that multiple competitors were disqualified after admitting to using doctored stones, but they have not named the individuals or stated how many.
  • Jennings’ cumulative distance was reported at about 177 meters (roughly 580 feet), which organizers and outlets cited as a new event record.
  • The rules require naturally occurring Easdale slate no wider than three inches—checked with the “ring of truth”—and some flagged stones appeared machine-shaped or notched.
  • Event officials say the 2025 results stand and they are considering having skimmers use stones pre-selected by organizers as the contest continues to grow internationally.