Читать книгу Montegue Blister’s Strange Games: and other odd things to do with your time - Alan Down - Страница 18

Toe Wrestling, a uniquely British take on arm wrestling, was invented in the 1970s in Ye Olde Royal Oak Inn, Staffordshire, and this is where the World Championships of this sport take place every year. Rumour and legend have it that it was invented primarily as a game at which Britain could be successful on the world stage. However, application for Olympic status was denied as the Olympic Committee couldn’t decide whether it was a winter or summer game.

Whether or not any of the above is true, what can’t be denied is that Toe

Wrestling is an exhilarating, strenuous sport and probably the most interesting way to catch athlete’s foot in a competitive environment.

To play, competitors sit on the floor with their barefooted right leg extended towards their opponent. Heels are placed together and big toes locked ready for battle. As in its less exotic brother, Arm Wrestling, each player tries to force his opponent’s foot down onto the ground using the most expedient method possible.

Each match consists of three ends; the first player to win two of these wins the contest.

If you want to avoid the chance of catching some pedopathic disease, you can always play the more pedestrian version of the game, Slipper Wrestling. Here, the same basic position is used except each competitor wears their slippers and the aim is to remove your opponent’s footwear before they remove yours by the means of foot pressure, wriggling, and manipulation only. The smoking of a pipe whilst playing is optional.