The competition was held for pigs from China and Thailand. During the event, the four-legged athletes competed in running, jumping through fire hoops, swimming and diving.

According to donors of the special sporting event, these lovely pigs are of a special species that is good at sports by nature. They have been trained soon after they were born to become professional athletes one year later.

* Racing tournament for pigs in Moscow (Russia)

The Sport-Pig Federation in Moscow has organized the world’s first racing tournament for pigs. As many as 15 four-legged athletes took part in the 180-m track-race.

Sergei Spiriu, organizer of the competition, said these athletes have long legs, good health and undergo training activities daily. They are not allowed to eat before each competition and are rewarded with a carrot after finishing a training session.

* Pigs compete in football tournament

To welcome the World Cup 2006, a football tournament for pigs was organized for the first time in Russia. The four-legged athletes used their snout to push the ball into their rivals’ goal.

* Pig Olympics

In April every year, an Olympics is held in Shanghai, China for pigs who compete in three main sporting events, namely running, swimming and Svineball - a ball game played with the snout. Some 12 pigs from seven countries took part in the games on April 16, 2006.

* Pigs join racing competition

After the celebration of the National Day in Australia, pigs often take part in hurdle races. The winners are selected for next year’s competition, while the losers may be on the table for supper. Owners of the winners receive an award worth at least US$5,000.

* Pigs join high-jump competition

Also in Australia, people organize an international high-jump competition for pigs in November each year. The 2005 champion title went to a female pig called Peggy owned by a man from New Zealand. Through three competitions, Peggy jumped 3.7m, up 0.4m compared to the previous year’s record-holder from the host country.

* Beer and physical exercises for pigs

Pigs are enjoying a luxurious life on a rural farm in Morcester Berkshire, England. The Sky News TV channel has shown the owner of the farm feeding his pigs beer and taking them to a swimming pool for physical exercise. He said beer and physical exercises would help pigs gain weight without becoming too fat.