Champion triumphs over the world's toughest toes

Twinkle Toes may sound like dainty digits, but Lisa Shenton's are toes to be reckoned with in the competitive world of toe wrestling, of which she has just become world champion, writes Alan Cookman

LISA Shenton is a gifted footballer and an accomplished horsewoman.

But it's a different sport entirely that has lifted the 27-year-old from Blurton to the dizzy heights of global supremacy.

Lisa, known to her supporters as Twinkle Toes, is the new Ladies World Toe Wrestling Champion.

She won the title at the second attempt, overcoming opponents like Mrs Toeminator and a woman styling herself as Toe-Twister.

Toe wrestling may seem a tad frivolous as competitive sports go, but the world title is fiercely contested and contenders need to be focused and determined to prevail.

"It takes a combination of technique and physical strength," said Lisa. "I'm a very physical person, and I think that made the difference on the day."

For Lisa, the spur this time was having been beaten by the formidable Mrs Toeminator last year.

Unfortunately, this time Mrs Toeminator arrived at the Bentley Brook Inn, near Ashbourne, with dozens of vociferous supporters wearing Team Toeminator T-shirts.

"I'm manager of the Derby County under-10s girls' football team, and my solitary cheerleader on the day was Rebecca Clewes, one of the little girls who plays for us," said Lisa.

"When I beat the other finalist to take the trophy, I just leapt off the stage and gave Rebecca a big hug.

"My boyfriend, Matt, should have been there, but he was delayed and just missed my moment of glory. He was gutted, but really proud of me."

So are Lisa's parents, Bernard and Christine Shenton, who live in Oakwood Road, Blurton, and her brothers Paul, Lee and Craig.

Born, raised and educated in Blurton, Lisa is currently living in Ashbourne where she is groom in the stables of multi-millionaire businessman Ray Cork.

"I first worked for Mr Cork in Denstone, and came to Ashbourne when he moved here five years ago. I've always loved horses. I had my own pony from the age of 16, and dreamed of working with horses. Now I look after Mr Cork's horses and ride every day."

It was her employer who persuaded Lisa to enter the toe-wrestling competition. "Mr Cork owns the Bentley Brook Inn, where the world championships are held, and he thought I was physically fit and competitive enough to do well," she said.

"I play football with an Ashbourne ladies' team as well as managing the Derby County under-10s, and of course I train, go running and horse-riding"

Making her debut last year, Lisa was eliminated in the semi-final by Mrs Toeminator, wife of the then champion Mr Toeminator from Burton-on-Trent.

This year's men's title went to Alan 'Nasty' Nash from Westonfields, Longton, making it a clean sweep for the Potteries.

Lisa says that toe wrestling is a bit like arm wrestling, the aim being to lock toes and then try to force your opponents foot against a vertical board for three seconds.

So what's the trick? "Last year I watched the male competitors, especially Alan 'Nasty' Nash, and studied the way they shuffle their heels.

"But technique is not enough. You need to have strong legs to be able to push over your opponent's foot. The next days my legs were killing me, even the thigh muscles, but that could be because I'd had a break from football training."

Before locking toes, however, every competitor is examined by a qualified nurse. "She check's everyone's feet for verrucas, athlete's foot or other fungal infections, and even sharp toe nails or cuts."

Lisa was this year up against eight other contenders, including one from New York. "In the final I beat a woman from London called Toe-Twister. She'd trained hard and come specially from London for the championships, and she was gutted when I beat her.

"I call myself Twinkle Toes because you need a nickname, but I wanted mine to sound less aggressive than some of the others."

Lisa will keep the trophy in perpetuity as a new one is presented each year. "I'll definitely be back to defend my title next year," she said.

To ensure that Twinkle Toes' toes were looking their best, Lisa booked herself in for a full pedicure the day before the big event.

She added: "I later found out that the girl who did my feet had posted on Facebook that she groomed the toes of the world champion toe wrestler."