Bleacher Views: World Shin-Kicking Championships

For those who simply couldn't wait for the London 2012 Summer Olympics, there was an exciting event held the first week of June in Gloucestershire, England: the World Shin-Kicking Championships [see video here], a tour-de-force of rural ingenuity and entertainment.

The rules are pretty simple. Sort of like the Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid knife fight: there are no rules. Well, OK, there are a couple of basic rules. No sweeping kicks. Too bad for the martial artists out there. And no protective shin guards - just as much straw as you can tuck into your socks. The two combatants must lock arms at shoulder height and then start kicking, with the ultimate goal being to knock your opponent off his feet onto the ground. Last man standing is the winner. That's it. The whole thing. Who ever would have thunk it?

The World Shin-Kicking Championships are joined by other traditional endeavors as the Tug-of-War and Sack Racing as part of the annual Cotswold Games in the English countryside. The Cotswold Games date back to 1612. Can you imagine the bruises those guys must have had on their shins? Today's contestants wear sneakers (or trainers as they call them in England). But back then, people wore leather boots, which I'm guessing hurt more.

Our heartfelt congratulations from the crew at Bleacher Views go out to Zac Warren of Pershaw, Worcestershire, England on winning the trophy as this year's World Champion Shin-Kicker. Way to go, Zac!


Sources:
The Mirror: "Can I kick him? Yes you can! Shin-kicking championships take place in Gloucestershire"


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Pete Simmonds is a big fan of soccer and baseball. He doesn't remember ever intentionally competing in a shin-kicking competition, although it's possible he was kicked in the shins by his little brother when he was 7.