Historic fighting spirit

Early each summer, the traditional sport of shin kicking is played in Chipping Camden, Gloucestershire. It is part of the Cotswold Olimpick Games, an event started in 1612. Its founder, lawyer Robert Dover, designed it to channel the competitive instincts of his fellow residents. Donning white coats to replicate traditional shepherds’ smocks, participants grasp each other firmly by the shoulders. They then kick each other’s shins until one of them falls over. Overseen by an official known as a stickler, a contest has three bouts. Each winner progresses until a champion is named. Kickers may pad their legs with straw for protection, and kicks may only be aimed between ankle and shin. This year’s Cotswold Olimpicks takes place on 3 June on Dover’s Hill, named for the Games’ founder.