Whats the history of extreme ironing?
The English East Midlands City of Leicester has never been known as a place of excitement or danger. Yet, in 1997 the city, often thought of as a little dull – mundane perhaps – gave birth to an extreme sport that combines the dangerous and exciting with the dull and mundane: extreme ironing! In years to come Leicester, famous for its fried chips topped with Red Leicester cheese, passionate football fans (the blue army) and nasal accent, will become better known for extreme ironing. When mild mannered Phil returned home after a long day in the knitwear factory, the last thing he wanted to do was start on a pile of ironing. The sun was shining and Phil preferred the idea of an evening out pursuing his (somewhat unsuccessful) hobby of rock climbing. Then it occurred to him to combine these activities into an extreme sport – the result: extreme ironing. Before long Phil recruited his housemate Paul and the pair took on the pseudonyms Steam and Spray, to avoid the ridicule of their peers.
