By Travis Johnson
On the eve of the Rio Olympics, an even more important sporting competition has taken place, and Australia has emerged triumphant: the Dropbears have taken the World Quidditch Championship, beating the US team 150-130. This mark’s the US’s first ever championship loss in the entire (incredibly brief) history of the sport.
Inspired by the fictional game of the same name in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter children’s books, Quidditch mimics the act of flying on a broomstick, combining it with a fast-moving ball sport. As the actual players are not wizards like those in the novels, each must keep a broomstick clenched between their legs for the duration of play.
In its decade-long history, Quidditch has grown quite popular even outside the Harry Potter fanbase, and there are leagues and teams around the world.
In a post on their Facebook page announcing their victory, the Dropbears said, “WE DID IT. The Dropbears get gold at the 2016 IQA Quidditch World Cup taking out America 150*-130 in the United States first ever loss.
“Over the last year, coach Gen Gibson has worked this team from the ground up with the express purpose of taking on the best team in the world.
“Today we showed the world our strength and determination, but more importantly our love for this sport and community.”
The latest film in the Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is out on November 17.
