In 1992, the people of Sonkajarvi decided that it was time to revive some long-forgotten traditions: back in the late 1800's there was in the area a brigand called Rosvo-Ronkainen, who was said to have accepted in his troops only those men who proved their worth on a challenging track by carrying heavily weighted bags. In those days, it was also a common practice to steal women from the neighbouring villages.
So that's how this small town in central Finland became the focus of attention of world media and sportshusbands and wives. From year to year a large number of competitors, public, and media from Finland to Canada attend the annual Wife-Carrying rendezvous in Sonkajarvi, doubling the population of the town for the weekend.
The Wife-Carrying World Championship is becoming increasingly popular. If he were alive today, old Rosvo-Ronkainen would have faced tough competition from husbands from as far away as Estonia, Norway, Ireland, or the United States of America.
Finishing upside down clinging to a man's back may not be the most graceful way of winning gold, but it sure helped Sandra Kullas and Margo Uusorg to the world wife-carrying crown on Saturday, July 1.
The Estonians were among 40 pairs from eight countries who competed in the annual event in Sonkajarvi, in central Finland.
They raced along a 250-meter track, complete with pools and hurdles, with the men running or walking and carrying the women on their backs.
Uusorg, 26, finished in 56.9 seconds, a world record, while Kullas, 19, clung to his back upside down with her legs around his neck. They beat Uusorg's bother Madis by 3 seconds.
"I was a bit nervous before the start, but when I started running it felt fine," Margo Uusorg said after the race. "I wanted to jump over the hurdles, but I was afraid I might fall and get penalty seconds."
The prize for the first place winner? His wife's weight in beer!
wacky finns, wife carrying, finland
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