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Episode details

World Service,08 Jan 2024,13 mins

Ear wrestlers and high kickers

Amazing Sport Stories

Available for over a year

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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