No matter how bizarre these sports seem, they actually did exist!
Sports have long held a cherished place among humanity's pursuits, often beginning as simple entertainment and evolving into integral components of a civilisation's culture. While a select few popular sports largely monopolise today's international stage, this wasn't always the case. Once, every town had its own unique pastime, resulting in the development of some peculiar games that have since faded into obscurity—though, in certain instances, perhaps for the best.
Turtle racing
While turtle racing persists today as a children's activity at county fairs, its modern iteration bears little resemblance to its historical counterpart. A century ago, the sport featured giant turtles racing in straight lines, akin to horse races, with small children acting as jockeys. Originating in the Bahamas, where races occurred in the water with sea turtles, the events were supervised by men to ensure adherence to complex courses. Despite its unusual nature, the evolution of turtle racing highlights its fascinating history and diverse cultural origins.
In the 19th century Netherlands, the welfare of animals took a backseat to amusement, as evidenced by the popularity of eel pulling. This bizarre sport had two variations: one resembling tug-of-war with a slippery, soaped-up eel as the rope, and the other involving participants jumping from boats to snatch dangling eels over canals. Even after its outlawing, Amsterdam remained a hotspot for eel pulling, leading to the infamous Eel Riot of 1886 when a police officer intervened. The riot resulted in 26 deaths, 100 injuries, and numerous arrests, emphasising the fervour surrounding this peculiar pastime.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Europe's aristocracy engaged in a peculiar pastime known as "fox tossing" between fox hunts. Typically reserved for the upper classes, this spectacle required extensive preparation, a spacious enclosure, and numerous animals. Played in pairs, participants would use slings to hurl foxes, and sometimes other creatures, into the air. The objective was to achieve the greatest height, with records reaching up to 7.5 metres (25 feet). Notably, a famous event in Dresden involved nearly 700 foxes, along with various other animals. However, the sport was fraught with danger, as frightened animals often lashed out at players.
Episkyros, an ancient Greek ball game, differed from serious athletic pursuits, as it was intended for a broader audience, including old people, women, and children. Two teams faced off, separated by a line, with additional lines marking boundaries. One team threw the ball over the other, while the opposing team aimed to regain possession and advance. The objective was to push opponents back beyond their starting line. Episkyros resembled modern rugby or American football, with agile players catching the ball while teammates worked collectively to push opponents back. Popular in Sparta, it later influenced the Roman game, harpastum.
Some sports blend existing concepts to create new ones, but not all prove successful. The equestrian long jump, for instance, merged the human long jump with horse racing, resulting in a lacklustre spectacle. Despite initial interest, it failed to leave a lasting impression and dwindled in popularity. Featured at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris alongside the horse-high jump, it proved underwhelming. Belgian racer Constant van Langhendonck and his horse, Extra-Dry, clinched the gold with a leap of 6.1 metres (20.0 ft), far from the anticipated display of athleticism. Today, it remains overshadowed by more dynamic sports.
Surprisingly, the list of bizarre sports doesn't end here. Odd events like Barking Off Squirrels, Quintain, Stoolball, and DwileFlonking are also some yesteryear pastimes you should look into for a glimpse into the forgotten history of human civilisation.
