Schwingen

Histoire

Schwingen is Swiss wrestling, practised in circles of sawdust, mostly in the Alpine regions. Wrestlers wear short canvas trousers over their clothes and must grip them; a bout is won by putting the opponent on his back.

The great festival is the Eidgenössisches Schwing- und Älplerfest, held every three years, where the winner becomes "Schwingerkönig" (king of the wrestlers). Another historic event is the Unspunnen festival, first held in 1805.

Le saviez-vous ?

• The winner of the federal festival traditionally receives a live bull.
• After the bout, the winner brushes the sawdust off the loser's back — a sign of respect.
• Schwingen festivals draw tens of thousands of spectators.

Glossaire des techniques

Kurz

the most common throw, with a lift

Bur

hip throw

Hüfter

hip throw from the side

Armes et équipement

Schwingerhosen

canvas grip shorts

Sägemehl

sawdust ring

Sources: Eidgenössischer Schwingerverband (Swiss Wrestling Federation)