Not everyone enjoys watching sports. But luckily, there are some unique and exciting sports that anyone would enjoy watching!
Wife-Carrying (Eukonkanto)
The first competition was hosted in Sonkajärvi, Finland in 1992 and the origin of this sport is a mystery. There are two theories, The first one is based on legendary thief Rosvo-Ronkainen. He would rampage villages in the 1800s for women and food. He would train his thieves’ stamina with heavy sacks on their backs to make them faster and stronger. The second theory involves young men who would travel to neighboring villages to steal the women for marriage. Both theories sound quite grim, but thankfully, now it’s done in good fun as today men simply carry their wives over their shoulders and race around an intricate terrain. The winner receives his wife’s weight in beer!
Extreme Ironing
Most believe it was in 1997 when Phil “The Steam” Shaw combined his afternoon activities of rock-climbing and ironing his work uniform. He traveled the world to inform the people and only in 2002 the 1st Extreme Ironing World Championships was hosted in Munich, Germany. There are specific rules as to how and where the shirt must be ironed. Forest – On top of a tree (considered the most challenging) Freestyle – Up to the competitor. Lauda – An appropriate climbing wall to climb. Urban – In a broken car. Water – In fast-flowing water (Surfboards and Canoes are permitted).
Competitive Sleeping
According to the National Sleep Foundation, a 30-minute nap can rehabilitate attention and improve performance. Born in the United States in 1998, Spain has hosted the annual National Siesta Competition since 2010 in Madrid where winners take home a cash prize. The competition is hosted in the Islazul Shopping Mall during lunch hours. Doctors will check the heart rates of the competitors with pulsometers and the one to fall asleep the fastest and for the longest wins!