Equestrian jumpers at the Olympics are seriously concerned about a sumo wrestler’s butt.
Most of the 14-jump course’s hurdles are decorated with a distinctly Japanese feel. Some have kimonos, some have traditional drums.
But one obstacle caught the eyes of competitors, and horses, “the sumo wrestler”.
It’s positioned to the left of a jump in the corner of the arena, hunched over and seemingly ready to attack.
The wrestler faces away from riders. So, when the horses complete a sharp turn, While setting up the jump, the first thing they see is the wrestler’s butt.
For all the #sumo ladies out there – the equestrian #Olympics commentator agrees with you. pic.twitter.com/MaUmc6SAIv
— Melissa🦎 (@Kyrkikree) August 3, 2021
“It is very realistic,” A Rider Named Vlock said: “It does look like a person, and that’s a little spooky. You know, horses don’t want to see a guy, like, looking intense next to a jump, looking like he’s ready to fight you.”
相撲レスラーを前にしたお馬さんの反応に、実況さんが今日1番爆笑してた。全部可愛い… #障害馬術 pic.twitter.com/A48jhVPlc8
— kozu (@198595Kozu) August 3, 2021
According to Team Great Britain athlete Harry Charles.
“I did notice four or five horses really taking a spook to that. As you come around, you see a big guy’s (butt). “
Riders say that a life-sized statue of a sumo wrestler distracted several horses during the individual jumping qualifying round. The Olympics plan on removing the statue for future events.