Yes, you read that title correctly. Wife carrying is in fact, a sport. The concept that so many women dream of and glorify is actually a sport that people train, and train hard for. I first heard about the concept when I was studying the Olympics and I came across and article about "sports that aren't in the Olympics but should be." I honestly didn't believe the sport existed until I found that there are several people who prepare for this year-round, and much like any famous sport, compete in World Championships to claim the achieved status as world champs and the prizes that come along with it. Here are some things the curious should know about wife carrying:
1. It's original (Finnish) name is "Eukonkanto" and it started in Finland.
Though the sport has traveled to the UK, America, Australia, Hong Kong and Estonia.
2. An official track length is 253.5 meters.
That is close to the length of 3 football fields!
3. There are two dry obstacles and one wet.
The water obstacle is a meter deep.
4.The wife must way at least 108 pounds.
If she does not, she will have to carry a sack on her back that brings her to the appropriate weight.
5. A legitimate rule for wife carrying is "All participants must enjoy themselves."
My kind of sport.
6. The North American Wife Carrying Championship is held on Columbus Day Weekend every year in Maine.
7. The prize for the North American Wife Carrying Championship is the wife's weight in beer, 5x her weight in cash and advancement into the World Championship.
Can you choose the type of beer or...?
8. The Worlds take place on a flat track.
I personally think the terrain separates the men from the boys but hey, that's just me.
9. The man MUST carry a wife.
It can be his or his neighbors, and she must be at least 17 years of age.
10. While the Estonian style shown below is the most popular choice for carrying methods, there is also the piggyback, sack-of-potatoes, and fireman carry.
The following video shows Kelly from Live With Kelly competing against some of the United State's top competitors. Overall, I'm in amazement. The fact that this sport prides itself on who can carry their wife further, having fun, and drinking beer... where do I sign up? And get a husband? I should probably get on that part first.
On a last note, please enjoy this video of actual wife carrying. Brace yourselves:
