Ear wrestlers and high kickers
How ripped ears and high kicks help preserve a rare part of Alaskan culture
An episode of the Amazing Sport Stories podcast, hosted by BBC World Service, titled "Ear wrestlers and high kickers" was published on January 15, 2024 and runs 13 minutes.
January 15, 2024 ·13m · Amazing Sport Stories
Summary
Hundreds of years ago, the Native people of Alaska's coastal whaling settlements had a unique way of communicating when a hunt had been successful. A messenger would run inland and, when within sight, jump and kick both feet into the air. The passage of time has seen that disappear, but once a year the tradition is revived. This is the story of what’s officially known as the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics and those who take part in events like the high-kicks, the ear pull and the seal hop, to preserve a rare part of Alaskan culture. Audio scenes have been re-created for your enjoyment. Let us know what you think #AmazingSportStories
Episode Description
Hundreds of years ago, the Native people of Alaska's coastal whaling settlements had a unique way of communicating when a hunt had been successful. A messenger would run inland and, when within sight, jump and kick both feet into the air. The passage of time has seen that disappear, but once a year the tradition is revived. This is the story of what’s officially known as the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics and those who take part in events like the high-kicks, the ear pull and the seal hop, to preserve a rare part of Alaskan culture.
Audio scenes have been re-created for your enjoyment. Let us know what you think #AmazingSportStories
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