20 francs - Swiss wrestling

Wresting is the quintessential Swiss national sport. Over the years, the local pastime of wrestling has developed into an extremely popular sport that demands intensive training and enjoys great support among the general population. In order to wrestle in a varied and diverse manner, a successful wrestler must learn different throws and their combinations. He will then have the right strategy to wrestle his way to the top against different opponents and gain a wreath or with a little luck even be the winner of one of the smaller – or even larger – wrestling competitions. The origins of Swiss wrestling are difficult to date with accuracy. A typical wresting hold can already be seen in a 13th century depiction in Lausanne Cathedral. In Central Switzerland and in the Mittelland, wrestling has long been an integral part of festival culture. Wrestlers competed for a length of trouser fabric, a sheep or other prizes in kind at many Alpine and tavern festivals. The glory of victory was worth much more than the prize itself. In the 19th century notable wresting festivals and ambitious sports instructors brought wresting into the towns and cities. In this way, what was once a pastime of shepherds and farmers became a national sport involving all social classes.