When it comes to peak fitness, jousting is the ultimate sport
MODERN-DAY jousters are as fit and strong as professional footballers, tennis players and Formula One drivers combined, say researchers.
English Heritage jouster Roy Murray, 33, was shown to have body fat of 7.7 per cent, roughly half that of an average man and leaner than most professional footballers, whose fat ranges from eight to 10 per cent, research at the University of Bath found.
Mr Murray, who is training for a summer season of jousting tournaments, was also able to carry out five bench presses of 67kg, a score similar to some racing drivers.
Tests of his cardiovascular fitness also put him in the same category as an elite male tennis player.
The results were described as “very impressive” by sports scientist Jonathan Robinson, who tested Mr Murray.
“Jousting requires physical prowess on a par with professional footballers, tennis players and Formula One drivers
‘Jousting requires physical prowess on a par with footballers, tennis players and Formula One drivers’
combined,” he said. “What is particularly remarkable is the high standards of fitness demonstrated across a wide range of areas.”
Jousting is one of the oldest equestrian sports in the world, believed to have begun with the emergence of knights as warriors in the 10th century.
Although popular throughout the Middle Ages, the sport suffered a decline in popularity after Henry II of France was fatally wounded in 1559.
During a tournament, a piece of splintered lance entered his eye and he died of septicaemia 10 days later.
Romanticised notions of chivalry prompted the sport’s revival in the 19th century and contemporary competitions still involve wearing traditional armour, weighing 45kg.
Riders attempt to hit each other’s shields with three-metre lances and points are awarded, depending where contact is made.
Dominic Sewell, from English Heritage, who commissioned the study, said: “Historically, boys would have been trained from a very early age, working hard physically all day every day to acquire the strength, fitness and skill required.
“While modern lifestyles are very different, to joust properly in the 21st century requires the same dedication.”
English Heritage is hosting jousts at its castles around Britain this summer as part of its medieval knights season.