Extreme sports are nothing new.0:31
In the Middle Ages, between the 5th and the 15th centuries, medieval knights risked life and limb in a thrilling sport called jousting.0:34
Two knights on horseback, each carrying a lance, a longer, heavier version of a spear, would ride towards each other at high speed.0:45
To win, the knight had to break his lance on his opponent's shield.0:55
Or knock him off his horse with the lance.0:59
Jousting tournaments were often held to celebrate royal marriages and births, or national festivals.1:03
Brave knights could be seriously injured or even die for the chance to win large sums of money, and sometimes even a royal marriage.1:11
Jousting was seen as practice for war, but when competing, Knights replaced their chainmail—small linked metal rings—with heavy armour made of metal plates.1:21
They only had small slits in their helmets to see out of, which greatly restricted their vision.1:35
At the same time, though, this protected them.1:42
The horses they rode were big and strong.1:46
The popular jousting tournaments took place in the lists, an open field separated by a fence close to a castle.1:50
They attracted not only royalty and nobility, but also commoners who sat alongside the battlefield.2:00
In glamorous opening ceremonies, knights would ride into the lists and hit the shield of an opponent they wished to challenge.2:09
After prizes were awarded at the end of the tournament, Feasting and dancing would close the event.2:18
Today, partly due to TV shows and movies, jousting is making a comeback.2:25
Surprisingly, little has changed since the Middle Ages.2:32
It may be a challenge for these modern-day knights to wear heavy armour and control a horse while trying to knock their opponent to the ground, but for the enthusiastic spectators, it all adds up to a truly exhilarating experience.2:36
Now, serious jousters are hoping to win enough fans to turn jousting into the next extreme sport.2:53
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