High-performance prototypes, dedicated race cars, and street vehicles will compete in the 24-hour race at France's Le Mans, with a total of 46 vehicles set to participate across varying classes.
Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, is the only major event played on a natural turf surface. Held annually in southwest London, it stands out for its setting and surrounding pomp [1].
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, a renowned automobile race, is another unique event. Organized by the Automobile Club de L'Ouest, this endurance race takes place on a non-permanent track at Circuit de la Sarthe near Le Mans, France. The winner is the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours, driven by a team of three drivers [1].
While some sports tournaments are modern competitive events, others are unusual historical or traditional sports now rarely practiced or seen in mainstream competitions. For instance, the Cheese Rolling in Gloucestershire, England, is a peculiar event where competitors race down a steep hill chasing a rolling wheel of Double Gloucester cheese [1].
The World Toe Wrestling Championships, another unusual event, involves participants locking toes in foot-strength battles to force the opponent’s foot down [1]. Underwater Hockey (Octopush), a game played underwater, features participants using sticks to push a puck across a swimming pool floor [1].
Swamp Football, a spin-off of soccer, is played in deep mud, slowing players significantly and making the game physically demanding [1]. Fierljeppen, a Dutch sport, combines pole vaulting and daring as athletes sprint and climb a long pole to vault over canals [1].
Pankration, an ancient Greek martial art that combines wrestling and boxing, is another unusual sport mentioned in historical context [1]. The Mayan Ball Game, a traditional Mesoamerican ballgame with ritual significance, is known for its unique rules and cultural context [1].
Some sports tournaments have a more controversial history, such as live pigeon shooting, which was part of the 1900 Paris Olympics. Competitors shot live pigeons until elimination; however, this event is now banned due to ethical concerns [3].
Jousting, a medieval sport involving horseback knights charging at each other with lances, is known more for its spectacle than modern competition [1]. Roman Chariot Racing, an ancient sport featuring teams racing horse-drawn chariots in arenas, is another historical event [1].
In contrast, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the NBA Finals, the World Series, and the Argentine Open Championship are well-established, modern tournaments that attract millions of spectators worldwide. The Argentine Open Championship, the top draw for polo's best players and fans, was first held in 1893 in Argentina [1].
The Grand National, a horse race held in Britain's Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, is the world's most renowned steeplechase due to its stamina and speed requirements [1]. The Masters, a golf tournament, was first held in 1934 and is held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia [1].
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2021, April 12). Unusual sports: The world's weirdest competitions. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/56241211 [2] History.com Editors. (2010, August 26). The History of the Olympic Games. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-the-olympic-games [3] The Telegraph. (2016, August 12). The bizarre sports events that have been part of the Olympic Games. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/11834569/The-bizarre-sports-events-that-have-been-part-of-the-Olympic-Games.html [4] ESPN. (n.d.). ESPN8 The Ocho. Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.espn.com/watch/espn8-the-ocho
- An expedition to trace the historical river routes of ancient civilizations could offer an intriguing travel experience, incorporating exploration, history, and geography.
- Like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, auto-racing competitions, such as Formula One and NASCAR, showcase the adrenaline-pumping thrill of sports combined with the technology of engineering marvels.
- The history of polo dates back to ancient Persia, making it one of the oldest team sports, much like Wimbledon tennis tournament or the Argentine Open Championship in the world of mainstream sports.
