'Maasai Olympics' replace lion killings in Kenya

With Kenya's Mount Kilimanjaro in the background, these Maasai men get ready to become 'warriors'.

Since ancient times, young Maasai on the cusp on manhood have competed for warrior status -- and the hearts of girls -- by killing a lion.

But that ritual is changing.

These men - 16 to 25 -- are competing instead for bragging rights at the 'Maasai Olympics'.

The idea formed in 2008 ... by a conservationist and a group of concerned Maasai elders who wanted to bring lions back from the brink of near extinction.

(SOUNDBITE) (Swahili) MAASAI OLYMPICS ATHLETE, JOHN KETEKO, SAYING:

"Back in the day, people used to kill lions because people did not know the animal's benefits. Now we understand their importance, that's why we don't kill them. We co-exist because we see they have many advantages."

Embracing this new perspective on manly-prowess hasn't been too difficult.

Most Maasai wear Western cloths and even those in traditional robes have cell p