Indian clubs, also called meels, are long thin wooden clubs that are shaped like bowling pins, but much thinner. Modern juggling clubs were inspired by Indian clubs and shaped like them. They were used in the 19th century as part of a Victorian era exercise craze. The club swinging event was contested at the 1904 and 1932 Olympics and was a popular event in the United States, with AAU Championships held in club swinging from 1885-1953. In St. Louis each contestant was allowed five minutes for the performance with three-pound clubs. Three judges scored each competitor a maximum of five points each, giving an overall maximum of 15 points. It was easily won by Ed Hennig who specialized in the event. Hennig won the AAU Title in 1904, 1933, 1936-37, 1939-40, 1945-47, and 1950-51, winning that last championship when he was 71-years-old. He tried to enter the 1932 Olympic event but was prevented from doing so because of work obligations.
USA