We’re lovers. You know that. But every now and again, something comes across our desks that just seems... suspicious. Because of the tremendous material upside to all our lives if these claims pan out, we at times put ourselves in harm’s way to investigate. Albeit skeptically.

We call it: Skeptical Investigation. (Trademark pending.)

THE CLAIM
Underwater Leg Wrestling is sweeping the nation—correction: one man’s pool—with its intense aquatic leg-to-leg combat. An intensity, its creator posits, that stems from a “very real and universal fear of drowning.” He claims that ULW is worthy of Olympic consideration. And your star-spangled swim trunks.

THE INVESTIGATION
Our intrepid investigator ventures to a pool in Downtown and is greeted by ULW creator Christopher Waterspider (yes, Waterspider) and the brave men and women engaging in battle that afternoon. Anyone can join—these bold souls stumbled upon the sport either through recruitment or by contacting Waterspider through his Facebook page.

Two fighters enter the shallow end of the pool and assume the fight position (floating on back, knees drawn up and at the ready). Referee yells, “Fight.” Using only their legs, each competitor flails wildly in an attempt to force the other to touch the bottom of the pool first. A three-minute battle of prune-y feet and cannonball-level splashing ensues.

THE VERDICT
Bottom line: start perfecting your leg press. Olympic gold may depend on it.