Two Foot High Kick and Ear Pull
July 22, 2008 | Tags: Alaska Native Culture, Photos
We had the privilege of attending and photographing two of the wonderful events at this past week’s World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in Fairbanks. We were audience to two of the most amazing and painful events, which you have to see to believe.
The two-foot high kick requires athletes to kick a ball suspended high in the air with both feet. Many of the finalists (demonstrated in images 3 and 4 above) end up successfully kicking above the length of their own outstretched arms!
The ear pull pits two competitors against one another, both having a single string placed behind their ear. The contest begins when both competitors begin pulling their heads straight back. The first person that either gives up, moves their head sideways, or has the string slip off their ear is the loser.
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics Back in Fairbanks
April 30, 2008 | Tags: Alaska Native Culture, Audio, Events
If you don’t know anything about the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics; be sure you make plans to experience them this summer. The competition takes place July 16-19 and features one-of-a-kind events such as the knuckle or seal hop, the four man carry, the ear pull, the kneel jump and the Eskimo or Indian stick pull. If any athletic event can be called “truly unique” this is the one!
Alaska Public Radio Network filed a fantastic Rebecca Sheir/NPR report for last year’s games that will give a touch of the overall WEIO flavor. Play or download the entire feature below. Then visit the WEIO homepage for full details.
