I’ve been a participant and spectator for all sorts of area sports; and while I enjoy all of them for varying reasons for some reason my athletic appetite hasn’t been completely quenched. Recently though, I realized why that was we in the Derby City have a serious lack of goofy sporting events. Oh sure, we have plenty of regular sports- baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer, hockey, etc., and I was brought up on those but alas all of those lack a goofiness which I so desperately need. With that in mind, I decided to do some research on some real sports that people participate in and act as spectators for. My greatest hope is that some enterprising individual we’ll see these ideas and bring one of these truly ridiculous sports to the River City. Now, keep in mind these are all real sports; I haven’t made any of them up; so they each have their own credentials.
The first sport seems perfect for a city that was built by horse racing- the equine sporting community is huge here with that in mind I present to you The Ultimate Test: Man vs. Horse; that’s the name of the sport. I have no idea who decided that this was the ultimate test; but forget any small issues like world peace as the ultimate test; that’s child’s play. Oh no, the ultimate test revolves around men and horses- I would say women but I know, no woman would come up with this. They’re too busy actually doing productive things; but this is the kind of issue that men use their intellect to address. This contest is done annually in the UK city of Llanwrtyd, Wells (believe it or not; not a made up city name) and what it consists of is a man racing a horse with a jockey across the country. In essence, we’re just dealing with a race here- nothing too special about that; it began when a landlord overheard two men (who I assume were drunk- - or at least hope were) arguing about if a man could beat a horse in a race. THE END; that’s the story and a sporting legend was born!
Ladies do you feel left out; well I’ve got something for you! This is a sport that would make a tremendous addition to any of the Mayor’s Healthy Hometown events; the sports is simply called wife carrying. And, you won’t believe what occurs in this sport. You got it, its glorified tennis! No, what it is, is a husband will carry their wife through an obstacle course. Teams of two (unless you’re from Utah) compete for the ultimate prize! This sport started in Finland- which just goes to show you once again we got to keep our eyes on those Finns- but more than that it’s come to the states already! Being a part of the sports landscape for both Michigan and Wisconsin- isn’t it about time it makes it way to the bluegrass state?
Not weird enough for you? In another UK city, Derbyshire (that’s already a Louisville connection), they have begun a sport called toe wrestling. Two competitors put their feet in the “ring” and both try to push down on the other’s foot using only toes to win. Think this isn’t legit? In 1976 The World Toe Wrestling Competition began; and it hasn’t stopped since! In 1997, this is true, enthusiasts of the competition actually tried to get this “sport” in the Olympics! Just imagine Michael Phelps' crazy swimmer feet going up against some dainty Frenchman’s foot. U.S.A.! U.S.A! U.S.A! But I digress, I see no reason why we can’t have a professional Toe Wrestling team in Louisville; somebody needs to get on this.
I realize these sports may not make it to town but a guy can dream.
Image courtesy of Inventor Spot
