Martin Portko began taking part  in the Highland Games after talking with John Tracy and meeting Jeff Patten and Jerry Bowersox while watching them compete at the Sparta Celtic Festival in 2015. Jeff introduced him to the implements and rules. Martin’s first competition was at the 2015 Muskegon Irish Music Festival where he won his class. He has been competing ever since, as often as he can. He lives in the Grand Rapids Michigan area with his wife and three children.