When the powder falls in Bozeman, champion skiers and kids with autism alike make the pilgrimage to Eagle Mount to perform at their peak.

In this thousand-year-old pastime, 50 men battle to mount a charging bull. The riders say it’s an essential part of their heritage. Animal rights activists want it outlawed.

Now that this unconventional sport has gone mainstream, these acrobatic young men are ready for the spotlight, too.

Every Shrove Tuesday, the entire town of Ashbourne erupts in a brutal football match where almost anything goes and the rare glory of scoring a goal is savored for generations.

Clasping heavy-duty handles closed may not seem like a serious endeavor, but for this strange sport’s athletes, it’s the ultimate testosterone test.

It started as hokey entertainment during hockey games, but now this unlikely team sport is all grown up—and the impressive athletes of “synchro” want respect on the world...