September 19th 2024.
It's hard to believe that it's been ten years since I first won the world toe wrestling championship. I remember that night like it was yesterday. I was at a nightclub in Derby, trying to have a good time, but a group of rowdy lads kept bumping into me without apologizing. After being knocked for the third time, my friend snapped at them, "Be careful! She's the world toe wrestling champion!" Of course, they laughed at the absurdity of such a random statement. But that's what I love about my sport - it's all about good fun and a bit of lighthearted competition.
Despite their initial skepticism, a few of the arrogant lads even boasted that they could easily beat me. I couldn't resist the challenge and invited them to put their toes where their mouths were. Toe wrestling is just like arm wrestling, but with your feet. So, I cleared some space and told them to get their toes out. When they realized I wasn't joking, they quickly googled me to see if I was telling the truth. Their faces dropped when they discovered that I was indeed the reigning world champion.
One of the lads, in an attempt to save face, took off his shoes and socks and challenged me right then and there. But, to no one's surprise, I easily defeated him, wiping the smirk off his face. He had underestimated how tough toe wrestling can be, and he had also underestimated me. But there was one person who never underestimated me - my boss. He was the reason I got into toe wrestling in the first place back in 2008.
My boss, who owned a farm and a pub and hotel, suggested I try toe wrestling after watching Paddy McGuinness and Rory McGrath compete in it on their show, Great British Adventure. I was hesitant at first, thinking that being a horse rider didn't necessarily make me a toe wrestling expert. But after a few pints, I figured, why not? Little did I know, I had a natural talent for it, thanks to the power in my legs and core from riding horses.
I made it to the final against the reigning champion, but sadly, I ended up going the wrong way and lost. I was devastated, especially since I'm a competitive person by nature. But it taught me an important lesson - save the drinking for after the competition. I knew that if I took it seriously and trained, I could easily beat her the next year. So, I embraced my nickname from my football days - "twinkletoes" - and started competing seriously.
Since then, I've won seven world titles, including the most special one in 2023. It was a tough year for me as I had just lost my mom right before the competition. I was heartbroken and didn't feel like competing. But my mom had always been my biggest fan and loved bragging to her friends about her world champion daughter. So, I decided to honor her memory and compete. And to my surprise, I won, with my dad cheering me on from the sidelines.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the World Toe Wrestling Championship, and I was both excited and nervous. As with any competition, you never know how it will go until the day. But I take my training seriously to avoid back pain, and I'm proud to see the sport growing internationally and getting the recognition it deserves. Big-name sponsors, like Oddlygood®, have been supporting unique and quirky events around the world, including this year's championship.
Oddlygood®, known for its delicious Barista Oat Drinks, is the official partner of this year's tournament. And rumor has it that toe wrestling may even become an event at the 2028 Olympics in LA. I plan to continue competing for as long as I can, and I'm grateful for the support and recognition from sponsors like Oddlygood®.
So, to all those lads who underestimated me on the dancefloor, I hope you've learned your lesson. And to anyone else who may doubt me or my "twinkletoes," I'll prove you wrong every time. Do you have a unique sport or hobby that you excel at? Share your story with me. And don't forget to leave a comment below - have you ever tried toe wrestling, or would you give it a go? Let me know!
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