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Wellie wanging


Welly wanging is a sport that originated in Britain in Upperthong, Holmfirth. Competitors are required to hurl a Wellington boot as far as possible within boundary lines, from a standing or running start. A variation requires participants to launch the welly from the end of their foot as if they were kicking off a pair of shoes. The high level of competition has led to precise, highly regulated rules for the sport. The sport is regulated and administered by the World Welly Wanging Association, based in Upperthong.

The Welly Wanging World Championships are held each year in the town of Upperthong in Holmfirth. It is thought that welly wanging originated following an incident where a pint of ale was spilt into a local resident's welly.

Note that the word welly is also often spelt as wellie. Welly wanging events today are often associated with fundraising events.

2015 Welly Wanging World Champs

Men – Adam Taylor

Ladies – Annie Mitchell

Girls (u14) – Bethany Casson

Boys (u14) – Charles Morley

2014 Welly Wanging World Champs

Men – Adam Taylor

Ladies – Rebecca Locks

Girls (u14) – Bethany Casson

Boys (u14) – Joe Mitchell

2013 Welly Wanging World Champs

Men – Adam Taylor

Ladies – Annie Mitchell

Girls (u14) – Amy Broomhead

Boys (u14) – Sam Hobson

2012 Welly Wanging World Champs

Men – Tim Nield

Ladies – Pauline Hazleden

Girls (u14) – Amy Broomhead

Boys (u14) – Sam Hobson

2011 Welly Wanging World Champs

Men – Joshua May

Ladies – Rebecca Ferrington

Girls (u14) – Judy Graham

Boys (u14) – Paul Johnston

There are four main techniques for ensuring good welly propulsion:

One handed – This is a commonly used technique, where the competitor uses a single hand to propel his or her welly. This can be attempted either right or left-handed, but you cannot use both simultaneously on separate boots.

Double handed – This is often used where there is a particularly large welly, so that both hands can fit securely around the boot. Propulsion in this position usually involves a shot-put-style swing technique.

Between the legs – This is where the competitor throws the welly from between their legs, facing towards the target and bending the legs slightly to accommodate the swing. This is a commonly applied technique for smaller competitors and beginners.

Backward throw – This is when the competitor throws the welly over their head, whilst facing away from their target. Whilst this enables a large back swing, it also means that the target is out of sight for the duration of the throw. The competitor must also be wary of having the boot land on their head when throwing in this position.


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