The 65th annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics was certainly one for the record books.

Juneau’s Leif Richards proved unstoppable during his attempt in the greased pole walk in Fairbanks, setting a world record of 15 feet, 4.5 inches, bettering the long-standing mark set by Gene Andrew in 1981 by nearly two feet.

The event, like many at WEIO, tests an individual’s endurance, balance and patience, while maintaining composure under unstable conditions.

And yet, the record of 13-6 had stood uncontested for 45 years.

“I didn’t expect to break the record,” Richards told Alaska’s News Source. “Last year I got negative-two inches in grease pole walk.”

“I come here for the community and to help people out — winning is just like a little fun upside.”

The greased pole walk represents the skills necessary to navigate slippery surfaces, like sea ice, glaciers, or wet fish wheel logs, during subsistence hunting and fishing.

Richards prepared for the event by incorporating rock climbing, ice climbing and slacklining into his training. According to Alaska’s News Source, his first coach was none other than the legendary Kyle Worl, who has amassed over 100 medals across various competitions.

In the two-foot high kick, it was all Kipnuk’s Colton Paul, who tied his own world record at 8-8.

Paul previously tied the world record back in 2024, matching Brian Randazzo’s mark from 1988.

The event originated with traditional whale hunts, as it communicated a successful hunt to the village. It combines immense strength, balance and focus.

Paul, a Mt. Edgecumbe alum, is a highly decorated and versatile athlete. He added victories in the kneel jump (5-5.25) and drop the bomb (31.22 seconds).

In addition to the two-foot high kick, Paul also holds world records in the kneel jump (5-10.25), scissors broad jump (38-7) and the one-foot high kick (Alaska Style) at 8-10, tying with Manuel Tumulak (2007), Tino Morrow (1997) and Travis Cronin (1993).