Lluís Pons Livermore, born in Sant Lluís 39 years ago, has made sports an essential part of his life, both on land and at sea. With three children and a training center in his hometown, he has always maintained a close relationship with slingshot throwing, an ancient art that has taken him around the world. He has been a delegate for Menorca and has participated in several international documentaries, such as the 2008 History Channel production in Israel about David and Goliath or the 2016 Discovery Channel documentary in Denmark, which analyzed the effects of Roman lead bullets. Now,
this passion is taking him to the other side of the world, to Guam, in a new experience that continues to expand the boundaries of this millennia-old tradition.
On March 4, he will embark on a journey to this Pacific island, which also has a long tradition of slingshot throwing. Although there is no direct connection between the prehistory of Menorca and that of Guam, there are some coincidences. Human presence on both islands does not date back beyond the last millennia B.C. Additionally, Guam, which is similar in size to Menorca (540 km²), also has megalithic structures, such as stone pillars for wooden houses, showcasing the shared characteristics between the two islands.
What motivated you to embark on this journey to Guam?
I met the slingers from Guam about nine years ago at an international slingshot competition in Mallorca. Since then, we have always kept in touch, discussing slings, projectiles, throwing styles, and teaching methods. From the beginning, we talked about a possible trip to Guam, and now the time has come.
When and how did you start practicing slingshot throwing?
When I was just nine years old, my brother got a sling made by a friend of mine. They gave me a rough idea of how it should be used, and on my own, I started experimenting to throw with more force and precision. Who would have thought that such a simple tool—a sling and four stones—would take me to the other side of the world to teach and share my knowledge?
What does the sling mean to you in the context of Menorcan culture?
It is a very forgotten part of our culture, a tool that is not given enough value despite its historical importance. It represents the living part of the "inert" culture of the Talayots and the people who inhabited them, from the typical feats described by classical historians to the sport it has become today.
How did you discover the tradition of sling use in Guam?
When I first met them, they struck me as incredible people, not just because of their way of life but also their perspective. Additionally, each of them usually carries a small figurine that represents their happiness. After our first conversations, I started researching online and was amazed to see the number of similarities they share with Menorca—an island 13,000 km away—during the same period when the sling was also significant in our land.
You have already had previous contact with slingers from this Pacific island. What was that experience like?
Last year, three of them visited Menorca and were amazed by the Talayots, Taulas, and our culture. When we visited archaeological sites, before entering the Taula enclosures, they removed their sandals as a sign of respect. Also, when we visited Cova des Coloms, one of them refused to enter because of the overwhelming energy he felt inside.
Do you think the sling remains a symbol of identity on both islands?
With my visit to Guam, coinciding with the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Spanish conquest, I was able to see that the sling was a key tool for the defense of the island by the Chamorros. Interestingly, a weapon that once divided us now unites us.
Do you see any parallels in the evolution of the sling in both cultures?
We share the same historical period in which the sling played an important role. We have "Balear" as a reference name for the ancient slingers, and they have a sling projectile as a prominent element on their flag.
When did you become part of Honderos de la Isla Menor?
This project emerged with Amics del Museu de Menorca, including Cecília Ligero and Carlos de Salort, with the goal of creating
a group of professional slingers to teach how ancient slingers might have been. Since then, we have participated in many events such as Tarraco Viva, weddings, and even the declaration of Talayotic Menorca as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What impact do you think Honderos de la Isla Menor has had on preserving and promoting this tradition?
Since we started, we have received a great response from the public. In the first year, 2,000 people saw us; in the second year, nearly 8,000, and we continue to attract more spectators. Social media helps, but seeing a live reenactment is an impressive experience.
In today's world, what role does the sling play?
It has been a weapon of war, defense, survival, and livelihood in many cultures. While many believe that the Balearic Islands were the only place with slingers, the reality is that historical references to the sling exist worldwide, from David and Goliath to the Maya, Inca, Samurai, and even the peoples of Tibet and Africa.
Do you think slingshot throwing could regain popularity in Menorca?
The lack of information is an obstacle. When I conduct activities in schools through the Salut Jove program of the Consell Insular, children are enthusiastic. However, when they tell their parents they want to practice slingshot throwing, the parents dismiss it as "throwing stones with a string" and say no. We need
better promotion of this tradition as a safe and regulated sport.
What message would you like to convey to those who want to preserve cultural traditions?
Institutions must invest time and resources. We are Balearic Islanders, islands of slingers, masters of throwing. It is surprising that in Guam, they know more about the history of the sling than we do. Without the people who currently lead the club and those who came before, this tradition might have disappeared. In the Balearic Islands, we have 115 federated slingers, while in Guam, there are 5,000. We need to do something to change this.
Are there other places where this cultural exchange could be repeated?
England, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, and Tennessee (USA) have active groups promoting slingshot throwing. It’s not about competing to see who is better but about
ensuring that this ancient art is not lost. The sling is a tool that connects us with many other cultures around the world.