The originator of extreme ironing was Phil Shaw of Leicester in the UK, humorously known in EI circles as Steam. Back in 1997, struggling to decide whether to spend his day off dealing with his laundry inside, or rock climbing outside, Shaw began ironing in his back yard. This was to be the beginning of a life-changing activity for him – why not combine laundry and outdoor pursuits? Since then, Shaw and his contemporaries have embarked on a worldwide recruitment campaign for the sport, touring New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and the United States. After a chance encounter with thrill-seeking German tourists in New Zealand, an international organisation for the sport was founded, and in 2002 the first Extreme Ironing World Championships took place near Munich. Shaw is currently campaigning for extreme ironing to become an Olympic sport, and has launched a website for enthusiasts – www.extremeironing.com.