High kick facts for kids
The high kick is a cool traditional sport from the Inuit people. It's played at big events like the Arctic Winter Games and the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. It shows off amazing strength and balance!
The One-Foot High Kick
In the one-foot high kick, a person stands on one foot. They jump high into the air. While jumping, they hit a target with their foot. This target is usually a ball or a piece of ringed seal. It hangs from a stand. After hitting the target, the person must land on the same foot they jumped from. This sport really tests a person's strength and agility. Long ago, it was also used to tell people about a successful hunt in some communities. A short film for the 2010 Winter Olympics shows champion Johnny Issaluk doing a one-foot high kick.
The Two-Foot High Kick
The two-foot high kick, also called akratcheak, is another traditional Inuit jumping event. It's often seen at Arctic sports competitions. In this event, athletes jump using both feet. They must touch a hanging target with both feet. Then, they have to land on both feet and keep their balance. Many people think this is the hardest Arctic sport. This event started from whale hunting. When a whale was caught, a messenger would run to the village. Once they were close enough to be seen, they would kick both feet in the air. This told the villagers to get ready to prepare the whale. As of 2007, the men's record for this event was 2.64 m (8 ft 8 in). The women's record was 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in).
The Alaskan High Kick
The Alaskan high kick is a bit different. You stand on one foot and hold your other foot. Then, you kick a target straight above you. You use the foot you are standing on to reach the target. After kicking, you must land on the same foot you used to kick and balance.
