Stoneput is an old Swiss sport in which athletes use both arms to throw a heavy stone overhead as far as possible. Considered a Swiss national sport, it features at traditional alpine games and regular national competitions. The sport straddles a fine line between tradition and modern athletics.
I am grateful for the support of my partners:
I am both an active competitor at the sport’s highest level since 2022 and since 2026 an official serving on the sport’s national federation. Like all athletes, I abide by the rules and regulations of the Swiss Sport Integrity Foundation.
Occasionally, I write about the sport and its relationship to my academic work. You can find out more about it below, explore the sport’s official website (where you also find all other active and retired athletes), or browse the upcoming competition calendar:
Find out more
Joined the National Committee for Stone Put in the ESV Sports Federation
83.5kg Unspunnen Stone, 3.78 m
46kg Sattelegg Stone, 4.61m
50kg Rigi Stone (put from standing position), 3.52m
83.5kg Unspunnen Stone, 3.73 m
90.5kg Ybrig Stone, 3.55m (new record)
64kg Berner Stone, 4.17m
Here you’ll find find a selection of news items, profiles, and public television features on the intersection of academic philosophy, the value and nature of traditions, and Swiss alpine sports.
"Daniel Kranzelbinder had an exceptional stone putting performance at Switzerland’s Federal Wrestling and Alpine Games Festival 2025. But for him, there’s more to this unconventional sport than just athletics..."
"Les jeux alpestres appartiennent à tous, y compris aux philosophes. Rencontre avec Daniel Kranzelbinder, maître de conférences à l’Université de Princeton et lanceur de pierre en quête d’harmonie..."
"Das Gegenüber: Daniel Kranzelbinder (34), 195 Zentimeter gross und 126 Kilogramm schwer. Doch im weiteren Gespräch wird klar: Der Mann hat auch überraschende Seiten, welche die gängigen Klischees dieser aussergewöhnlichen Sportart widerlegen."
"Il telegiornale è un programma televisivo che informa il pubblico sui principali avvenimenti del giorno. Presenta notizie di attualità, politica, economia, cronaca, cultura e sport, attraverso servizi giornalistici..."
I am very proud that on the occasion of the 2023 Unspunnen Games we were able to raise 8,350 CHF (corresponding symbolically to the 83.50 kg Unspunnen stone) for Parkinson research, support, and awareness in a fundraiser I organized with the Parkinson Switzerland Foundation.
Targeted representation: 100 CHF pledged per kilogram of the iconic 83.5 kg Unspunnen stone.
