Brutality. Sweat. Triumph. Defeat. Cosplay. These are just some of the words you could use to describe this year’s Gatalympics, the absolute most important sporting event in all of Saga. Once again, the Saga JETs descended upon the quiet city of Kashima to represent Team Gaijin at this most distinguished of events. Rivalries were made, friendships broken, and alliances formed; all for a shot at immortal glory and fleeting fame.

The Gatalympics is an annual event that celebrates the beauty of the Ariake Sea by diving headfirst into its glorious mud. Inspired by the local mutsugoro (mudskippers), the day features a variety of mud-filled challenges. This year, around 1,300 athletes took part in events including mud sumo, the Tarzan swing, and a mud-soaked obstacle relay, all culminating in a dramatic 25-metre freestyle race through the sludge. Spectators could enjoy delicious local food while enjoying the athletic spectacle (especially the spectacle from our valiant Saga JETs).

With five JETs competing this year, we made our mark on nearly every event. Liz and Trevor brought the heat in mud sumo, Nick and Tom sprinted (and slipped) their way through the relay, and Matt flopped heroically through the Tarzan swing and freestyle finale. While we didn’t snag any podium spots, we did earn some impressive media attention:

NHK Saga – Matt at 1:27
NTV FBS – Trevor at 3:12

This year’s Gatalympics was a muddy, magnificent day out, and I’m ever so grateful for the chance to live out my dream of becoming a mutsugoro (even if only for a day). Luckily, there were showers on-site to rinse off the grime, but nothing will ever wash away the memories we made.

We may not have claimed victory this time, but the Saga JETs are fired up and ready to return next year for another shot at eternal, muddy glory.

Gatalympics seikō!