Historic U.S. Victory at Wife‑Carrying World Championships

In early July 2025, a U.S. pair delivered a landmark moment for the sport: Caleb and Justine Roesler from Wisconsin emerged as the first American duo ever to clinch the top spot at the Wife‑Carrying World Championship in Sonkajärvi, Finland. They shattered previous benchmarks with a stunning course‑record time of 1:01.17 over the 253.5‑metre obstacle circuit, despite February’s weather.

Over 200 competitors from 18 nations took part in the annual event—making it one of the largest in the competition’s history. The prize remained traditional: the wife’s weight in beer.

The Lithuanian team of Vytautas Kirkliauskas and Neringa Kirkliauskiene came in second with a time of 1:04.60, while Finland’s champion carrier Taisto Miettinen—a multiple world titleholder—paired with Katja Kovanen to finish third in 1:05.02.

“This was completely new territory for us,” Caleb said afterward. “Jumping into that water obstacle with my wife—never done anything like it before.” Justine, reflecting on the strategy, praised their preparation: “We watched previous races and did squats—steps step, we made it.”

Until 2025, the world champions had always hailed from northern Europe—Finland, Lithuania, Estonia or Russia. The Roeslers’ breakthrough marked a new chapter in the sport’s global reach.

Originating in Finland in 1992, wife‑carrying is a quirky yet competitive event in which one partner—traditionally a man—runs a 253.5‑metre course while carrying their teammate, often in an “Estonian style” upside‑down piggyback. The course includes two land-based obstacles and a water pit approximately one metre deep. Wikipedia

Rules include:

• The carried partner must weigh at least 49 kg; lighter participants carry extra weight to reach the minimum.
• Helmets are required for the carried person, and carriers may wear a belt.
• Participants must at least attempt to have fun.