Two-foot high kick

An athlete performing a two-foot high kick at the Arctic Winter Games

The two-foot high kick (akratcheak) is a traditional Inuit jumping event that occurs at many Arctic sports competitions. In the two-foot high kick, athletes must jump using two feet, touch a hanging target with both feet, and land on both feet, maintaining balance.[1] The event is often considered the most demanding Arctic sport.[2]

The event has its origin in subsistence whale hunting: when a whale was taken, a messenger would run to the village and kick both feet in the air once within eyeshot.[1][3] Villagers would then know to prepare to harvest the whale.[1][3]

The men's record in the event is 2,64 m (8 feet 8 inches); the women's record is 1,98 m (6 feet 6 inches).[3]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Inuit high kick.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Why These Games". World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Accessed 2008-04-26.
  2. ↑ "Traditional sports descriptions". Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle (2007). Accessed 2008-04-26.
  3. 1 2 3 Block, Melissa. "Eskimo-Indian Olympics Capture Native Traditions". All Things Considered. National Public Radio (July 23, 2007). Accessed 2008-04-26.
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