Wife-carrying: The unconventional sport that's gaining popularity
Wife-carrying is a unique and (somewhat) head-scratching sport that is gaining traction. Here’s what we know.
Caleb and Justine Roesler are a couple from Wisconsin in the United States of America who have made a name for themselves in the unconventional sport of wife-carrying. The sport involves men carrying their wives or partners over obstacles, often in water and requires strength, agility and trust, reports CNN.
The Roeslers' journey in wife-carrying began when they stumbled upon an advertisement for a local competition. They decided to give it a try and quickly discovered that they were naturals.
The sport of wife-carrying has its roots in Finland, where the Wife-Carrying World Championship has been held annually since 1992. The competition is open to anyone, regardless of gender or marital status. It features different categories, including an over-40s division and a women-only category.
To succeed in wife-carrying, couples need to work together and trust each other. The most popular method used in the sport is the "Estonian carry," where the partner being carried is upside down on the carrier's shoulders, with their hips on the carrier's shoulders and their arms reaching back under the carrier's armpits. This method allows for maximum speed and agility.
The Roeslers' training sessions often attract attention from passersby, who can't help but stare at the sight of a man running with his wife held upside down on his shoulders. Despite the occasional confused look, the couple has found that practising wife-carrying has brought them closer and improved their communication.
The Wife-Carrying World Championship is a unique and entertaining event that showcases the strength and agility of its participants. The competition features obstacles such as water jumps, hurdles and requires couples to work together to overcome challenges.
Wife-carrying is a sport that requires bravery, strength and an immense amount of trust. It's not just about the physical aspect of carrying someone but also about the mental and emotional connection between partners.
As the sport of wife-carrying continues to gain popularity, it's likely that we'll see more couples taking up the challenge. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new adventure, wife-carrying is definitely worth checking out.
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