Thousands flock to watch the Pig Olympics

These pigs run, jump and swim – almost anything but fly. Thousands of Shanghai residents have turned out to a city park to watch a herd of pigs compete in what organisers are calling the “Pig Olympics”.

They run over hurdles, jump through hoops, dive and swim in shows twice a day, according to the Shanghai Daily newspaper.

The pigs, a midget species from Thailand, begin training soon after birth and can start performing after they are 12 months old.

“These lovely pigs are of a special species that is good at sports by nature,” said promoter Yang Ying.

Pig races are common in many places, but heavily urban Shanghai offers few opportunities to see farm animals in action.

“It’s incredible,” said eight-year-old Tan Yizhou, who presented a gold medal to one of the winning pigs. “I never thought that a pig could be so clever.”