Ere Karjalainen says drinking the previous day helped him secure victory in the mobile phone throwing world championships with a record-breaking 332 foot throw in Savonlinna, Finland.
Contestants compete in three categories in the annual championships — the traditional over the shoulder style where the aim is to throw the phone as far as possible, the Freestyle category where contestants are judged on aesthetics and creativity and the junior category for children under the age of 12.
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According to the organisers, mobile phone throwing is a light and modern Finnish sport that combines the philosophy of recycling and a fun spirit. Since the first competition of its kind was held in Savonlinna in 2000, its popularity has grown with national championships now taking place in a number of countries.
Hammer throwing athlete Jonna Mattero from Finland won the women’s category with a 139-ft throw. Ere Karjalainen from Finland set a new record in the Finnish championships with 332-ft, second place in the men’s competition went to Jeremy Gallop from South Africa with a 311-ft throw.
Gallop won a national competition in England. All phones are recycled after the competition. Finland is home to Nokia and is one of the most mature cell phone markets, with people paying for tram tickets and parking with their phones. u00a0