The sport of shin kicking has been around since the 17th Century. First established by Robert Dover in 1612. Shin kicking unfortunately died out in the early 1900’s, although I can’t imagine why? It was reborn in 1951 at Chipping Camden, England. Although the games are not quite as brutal as the earlier versions, I’m sure players are secretly rejoicing that they now prohibit iron capped boots. Players used to prepare for the games by smashing hammers into their shins.
The London Olympics may be still three years away. But in the rural parts of the west-country a humble community is keeping a local tradition alive. However, these sports most certainly will not appear in the Olympics.
Dover's Hill in the English West country recently played host to the time-honored Costswold Olimpicks.
The games feature a variety of unusual disciplines. Including the tug-of-war and the wheelbarrow race. But, the highlight for most is the bruising sport of shin-kicking. It's been a while since I've seen a good shin-kicking.
This game requires strength, technique...seriously, and of course a good pair of legs. The idea is to kick your opponents shins until you literally leave them without a leg to stand on.
The harder you hit, the more likely you are to win.
Here is a sneak peak of the Championship in 2008
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