Dutch Canal Jumping, a breakdown

Dec 18, 2020 2.0M views 3:46
MLB 2020

What Happened

In a captivating display of athleticism and skill, the sport of Dutch canal jumping takes center stage. The scene unfolds in the Netherlands, where generations of farmers have honed the art of traversing the country's ubiquitous waterways using long poles. Aaron Judge, the towering slugger for the New York Yankees, steps up to one of the elevated platforms overlooking a canal. With a determined gaze, he grips the fiberglass pole and starts his run, building up speed and momentum. "I'm just trying to get across this canal and show these Dutch folks how it's done," he says with a grin. As Judge nears the edge, he launches himself into the air, the pole bending beneath his weight. He extends his arms, reaching for the opposite bank and manages to grasp the top of the pole, hoisting himself up. "That's what I'm talking about!" he exclaims, drawing cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. Nearby, 83-year-old Hendrik van Dijk, a local legend in the sport, approaches the canal with a confident stride. The veteran jumper plants his pole and leaps gracefully, sailing over the water and landing safely on the other side. "When I was a boy, we'd do this just to get to the other side," he recalls, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. The event takes on a festive atmosphere, with spectators lining the banks and cheering on the competitors. Some participants go for a more unconventional approach, like the young man who throws a handful of sand into the air, creating a cloud of dust that briefly obscures the view. As the competition progresses, the stakes rise. A nervous competitor takes a running start but stumbles on the approach, plunging into the water with a splash. His family members, faces buried in their hands, can't bear to watch. The final round brings an intense showdown, with the grandchild of the "spy in the crowd" taking his turn. He climbs the pole with determination, but as he reaches for the top, his grip slips and he tumbles back into the canal, frustrated by his near-miss. The day's events have showcased the rich history and spirited tradition of Dutch canal jumping, a unique sport that has captivated generations of enthusiasts. As the sun sets over the picturesque landscape, the competitors gather, their camaraderie and shared passion shining through.

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he's busting down the lane he's running

he jumps he grabs the pole he's climbing

up

climbing up climbing up climbing up

climbing up if you're wondering what the