Intro:

Adam Miller took the prestigious shin-kicking title at the Cotswold Olimpicks in Gloucestershire, England on Friday.

Script:

Originated in Chipping Campden in the 1600s, revived in 1951 and held every year since 1966, the Cotswold Olimpicks have featured events such as hammer throwing and spurning the barre, an English version of tossing the caber.

Perhaps, though, the shin-kicking contest is the highlight of this rural sporting extravaganza in a natural amphitheatre at Dover's Hill.

With their legs covered in straw for protection, competitors go head to head in 'best of three' bouts.

The aim is to kick your opponent's shins until you bring him - or her - to the ground.

This is very much a full contact sport and stamina is just as important as speed and agility.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Graham Greenall, Cotswold Olimpicks Chairman:(On the shin-kicking event).

"It actually takes a great tolerance of pain, but you need to be agile and you need to be fit. It sounds like it's just a rough up but it's not, it's quite skilful."

Sweeping manoeuvres - as used in Judo - are forbidden and only clean take downs a rewarded with a point.

And the man most successful this year was local lad Adam Miller.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Adam Miller, winner:

"Hurts a little bit - but, oh well, I can live with the pain eventually. Give it a couple of days, have a few more drinks tonight."