The International Lineman's Rodeo: The Olympics for Lineworkers

In a fairground in Kansas this week, a number of utility poles have been sunk into a field. This is for the International Lineman's Rodeo & Expo, an annual competition where the folks who keep our power on test their skills against the best in the country.

Competing teams come from all around the country. Entrants must complete emergency lineman tasks, some known in advance and some introduced as surprises, either individually or in teams. They're graded not only on speed and proper execution of the task, but also on strict adherence to safety standards.

On one table you'll see cartons of eggs. This is because for one of the challenges, the competitors must climb the pole using their teeth to carry a bucket holding an egg, then complete an installation task atop the pole. On the descent, they must hold the egg in their mouth. If the egg breaks, they're disqualified.

The physical demands are pretty nuts; this is like the Olympics, but with real-world stakes. In this challenge, an entrant must scale a pole as quickly as possible, to rescue an injured colleague (a mannequin is used) dangling from high up on the pole.

Here's a POV vid of an entrant scaling a pole and swapping out a cross arm in minutes:

The challenges are impressive feats of athleticism, teamwork, rigging skills, tool skills, accuracy, speed, and strength. Additionally, the event serves as both a tool expo and a safety training seminar.

The event is held annually, and is a welcome chance for unsung tradespeople to receive recognition of their skills.