A Grand Spectacle in Mollis

MOLLIS, Switzerland - In a dazzling display of athleticism and tradition, Switzerland crowned its Sumo King during the triennial Folk Sport Festival this Sunday. The event drew a staggering crowd of hundreds of thousands, transforming Mollis in the canton of Glarus into a bustling hub for wrestling enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike.

What is Schwingen?

The highlight of the festival was Schwingen, a unique wrestling style resembling Japanese sumo but with its own distinct flair. Wrestlers grapple in a sawdust-filled circle, seeking to outmaneuver their opponent by gripping their jute breeches—one hand at the waistband and the other at the front. The goal? To toss the rival onto their back and secure a decisive victory.

Respect Beyond the Match

Sportsmanship is at the heart of Schwingen. After each bout, competitors exchange handshakes and the victor brushes the sawdust off the loser’s back, symbolizing respect and camaraderie—an enchanting tradition that adds a layer of honor to the fierce competition.

Meet the New King of Wrestling!

The much-coveted title of King of Wrestling went to 30-year-old Armon Orlik, who triumphed against around 280 fierce competitors. Hailing from Graubunden, Orlik expressed his jubilance, stating, "This moment is very important for me; I worked my whole Schwingen career for that!" His victory cements his legacy in the annals of Swiss wrestling.

More than Just Wrestling

But the festival offered more than just wrestling. Spectators also enjoyed stone throwing contests, where athletes competed to lift and hurl hefty stones, including the legendary Unspunnen Stone, weighing 83.5 kilograms. With prizes donated from various sponsors, every participant went home with a token of appreciation, including a cow named "Muzuki" gifted by a local Suzuki importer.

A Rich Heritage

The roots of this spectacular event trace back to 1805, originating from a costume and wrestling festival in Unspunnen, near the enchanting town of Interlaken. In a bid to preserve Swiss heritage, the festival evolved into a federal competition by 1895, with the title of "Swinger King" being contested every few years across different venues. Since 1974, enthusiasts have gathered every three years to witness this cultural celebration.

Record-Breaking Attendance

The festival drew over 350,000 visitors, making it a remarkable success. Organizers proudly announced that the venue hosted the world’s largest temporary stadium, featuring 56,500 seats to accommodate the influx of cheering fans.