Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall became a rather messy record-breaking location today.

Australia’s first Sports Slurping Championship hit the streets with both the Australian and world records being broken.

Trent Jones reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Slurping’s not a sport designed for those who get cold-feet.

With the record now standing at nine seconds, competitors have to be on their marks.

World record holder Pat “the Ice Man” Bertoletti kick started proceedings today.

Before the feeling amongst competitors became icy.

Slurping has been described as the ultimate test of endurance.

Competitor one: “Try to avoid brain freeze that’s about it.”

Competitor two: “Well being English I’ve never actually had one so I’m just gunna take it as it goes and see what happens.”

Competitor three: “I have sensitive teeth, so it’s just not gunna happen.”

And the recent introduction of a special Sports Slurpee means competitors can expect to take seconds off their time.

Pat “The Ice-Man” Bertoletti – World Champion: “I think the new sports slurpee definatelly helps my performance, I’ve been drinking these all day, like nine or ten a day, and I feel great after, which says something about it.”

Feelings between the champ and challenger at times became heated.

Whilst competitors got a frosty reception from their Brisbane crowd.

Slurping became a recognised sport in 2009, and the eventual winner will discover in May that victory has never tasted so sweet.

With a years supply of slurpees and the very first Australian Sports Slurping Championship Trophy on the line, slurping is not a sport taken lightly.

Billy Venderent, joint Australian Record holder: “I think it was warming the hands, being thirsty that helps, I think, yeah definitely, but no, good result: pretty happy.”

But like any sport, slurping does have inherent risks and athletes should seek expert advice before having a go.

Pat “The Ice-Man” Bertoletti: “I think you know the tricks now and I think it’s about time you got in there and gave it a go.”

And I can honestly say slurping is not as easy as it looks.

Trent Jones, QUT News