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Forget Beijing: It’s all about the ‘tranny Olympics’

Spectators packed the pub to witness "drag queens" (men dressed as women) — like the 6-foot-7-inch Patty Island in his pink stiletto shoes — and a few "drag kings" (women dressed as men) competed in the limbo, the wet T-shirt contest and the 100-meter high-heel sprint.
/ Source: Reuters

“Beijing is so over, it's all about the tranny Olympics,” said Patty Island, who, like many of the competitors, declined to give his real name.

Spectators packed a east London pub this week to witness “drag queens” (men dressed as women) — like the 6-foot-7-inch Island in his pink stiletto shoes — and a few "drag kings" (women dressed as men) compete in the limbo, the wet T-shirt contest and the 100-meter high-heel sprint.

Although the pressure to win a goal medal in the 100-meter sprint isn't as intense as it is in Beijing it still requires stamina and determination, particularly if you are running in six-inch heels and praying that your wig doesn't fall off.

“It's one of those opportunities where girls and guys can dress up together,” said Stina Backer, a Web site editor from London.

“Miss England” came first in the wet T-shirt contest while “Madam” took gold in the limbo after Slutty Limehouse, whose dress sense mirrored British singer Amy Winehouse, was disqualified when her black bee-hive caught the limbo line.

The finale saw some 20 contestants tottering on heels as they dodged cars, passers by and each other to reach the 100 meter finish line. Many fell by the wayside before the end of the race, hamstrung by their heels and tight mini skirts.

“Crustina,” who described himself as a “spiritual lesbian,” took part in the sprint alongside “Jon Beijing” who was dressed in a red and gold kimono and hoped to emulate his hero, U.S. athlete Michael Johnson.

“He had the lovely gold shoes and there's nothing a tranny loves more than a pair of spangly gold shoes,” Beijing said.