Ever heard of athletes racing in giant wooden shoes? 👟 Well, welcome to board-shoe racing, the thrilling sport that's capturing hearts at the 12th National Traditional Games in Sanya, Hainan Province!
Originating from the Zhuang ethnic group in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, board-shoe racing is all about synchronization and teamwork. Imagine three athletes strapped into a single pair of long wooden shoes, dashing together towards the finish line. Sounds like a test of coordination, right? 🤔
Legend has it that this unique sport dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when a legendary heroine (yes, girl power! 💪) used it to train her soldiers. Fast forward to today, and board-shoe racing has spread beyond Guangxi, with teams from all over China joining the fun.
This year's races include men's and women's 60m, 100m, and 200m events, as well as intense relays like the 2×100m and the mixed 4×100m. With 30 teams and 348 athletes from various ethnic backgrounds competing, the energy is off the charts! 🔥
Athletes say that mastering board-shoe racing demands perfect harmony and tons of focus. One misstep, and it's game over! But when they get it right, it's like watching a well-choreographed dance. 🕺💃
Unlike the high-tech vibes of modern sports, these ethnic games bring us back to traditions rooted in daily life and customs. It's a beautiful reminder of China's rich cultural tapestry and the importance of unity. 🌏❤️
Reference(s):
Traditional Chinese board-shoe racing highlights collaborative spirit
cgtn.com
