Story perspectives

New 15-ft Greased-Pole Record Shatters 45-Year Mark at Fairbanks

7/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Leif Richards set a new greased-pole walk record of 15 feet 4.5 inches, breaking the 13 feet 6 inches mark that had stood for 45 years.
The 65th World Eskimo-Indian Olympics concluded Saturday in Fairbanks, Alaska after four days of competition.
Nicole Johnson, an Inupiaq gold medalist, served as the lead official for the games and the Native Youth Olympics.
Adele Villa emphasized expanding athlete participation from rural communities throughout Alaska, Canada and Greenland.

History

Historical Context

In 1961 the Fairbanks Native Association launched the World Eskimo Indian Olympics in Fairbanks, Alaska, featuring three traditional Arctic sports and Indigenous athletes from Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. The event’s success spurred the Arctic Winter Games in 1970 and a name change in 1973 to include Indian participants, cementing its role in preserving Indigenous athletic heritage.

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Story summary

Leif Richards set a new greased-pole walk record of 15 feet 4.5 inches, breaking the 13 feet 6 inches mark that had stood for 45 years.
The 65th World Eskimo-Indian Olympics concluded Saturday in Fairbanks, Alaska after four days of competition.
Nicole Johnson, an Inupiaq gold medalist, served as the lead official for the games and the Native Youth Olympics.
Adele Villa emphasized expanding athlete participation from rural communities throughout Alaska, Canada and Greenland.

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