Tennis
Tennis, as we know it today, has its roots in a
medieval game called jeu de paume (game of the
palm), which originated in France around the 12th
century. Back then, players struck a ball with their
hands instead of rackets. By the 16th century,
rackets were introduced, and the game was called
"tennis," derived from the French word "tenez."
Modern tennis began to take shape in the late
19th century in England, where Major Walter
Clopton Wingfield patented the rules of "lawn
tennis" in 1874. The game was played on grass
courts and quickly became popular among the
British upper class. Wimbledon, the oldest and
most prestigious tennis tournament, was first
held in 1877.
Tennis has since evolved into a global sport,
played on various surfaces like clay, grass, and
hard courts. It remains one of the few sports
equally popular among men and women,
celebrated for its blend of athleticism, strategy,
and elegance.
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Origin of the Word
The word "tennis" comes from The Longest Match in History
the French word "tenez," The longest tennis match was
meaning "take this," which played at Wimbledon in 2010
players used to shout before between John Isner and Nicolas
serving the ball in the sport’s Mahut. It lasted 11 hours and 5
early days. minutes over three days!
Strict Dress Code
Wimbledon is the only Grand
Slam tournament that enforces
an all-white dress code for Yellow Balls
players, a tradition dating back
to the 1800s. Tennis balls were
originally white. Yellow
balls were introduced in
1972 to make them easier
to see on television.
Venus and Serena Williams
The Williams sisters have won
a combined total of 30 Grand
Slam singles titles, making
them two of the most iconic
players in tennis history.
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Golf
Golf, as we know it today, traces its origins back
to 15th-century Scotland. Legend has it that
shepherds in the Scottish Highlands started
hitting pebbles into rabbit holes using sticks. This
pastime gradually evolved into a structured sport,
with the first recorded mention of golf appearing
in 1457. Interestingly, it was banned by King James
II, who believed it distracted soldiers from archery
practice.
By the 16th century, golf had gained royal
approval, with King James IV and Mary, Queen of
Scots, among its earliest enthusiasts. The sport
soon spread beyond Scotland to England and later
the Netherlands.
The iconic St. Andrews Links, often referred to
as the "home of golf," set many standards,
including the 18-hole course format. Today, golf is
a global phenomenon, with millions of players and
a rich history rooted in Scottish culture. From
shepherds to professionals, the sport has come a
long way!
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Oldest Sport with Rules
The Longest Golf Course
Golf is one of the oldest
sports in the world, with The longest golf course in the
written rules dating back to world is the Nullarbor Links in
1744, created by the Honourable Australia, stretching over 1,365
Company of Edinburgh Golfers. kilometers across 18 holes!
A Sport on the Moon
Golf is the only sport ever
played on the Moon.
Astronaut Alan Shepard hit
two golf balls during the
Golf Balls
Apollo 14 mission in 1971.
Early golf balls were
made of leather stuffed
with feathers. The
modern dimpled design
helps them fly farther and
straighter.
The Home of Golf
The St. Andrews
Links in Scotland is
considered the "home
of golf," with the Old
Course dating back
over 600 years.
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Skiing
Skiing has a history as long and fascinating as
the snowy peaks it’s associated with. Its origins
date back over 5,000 years to Scandinavia, where
hunters used wooden planks to glide across snow-
covered landscapes in search of food. These early
skis were practical tools, crafted from wood and
animal skins, and were used to navigate harsh
winters.
The word "ski" comes from the Old Norse word
"skíð," meaning "split piece of wood." In the mid-19th
century, skiing evolved from necessity to sport.
Norwegian legend Sondre Norheim is considered
the father of modern skiing, introducing curved
skis and the first bindings in the 1860s. By the
early 20th century, alpine skiing emerged in the
Alps, with resorts opening to cater to thrill-
seekers.
Today, skiing is both a professional sport and a
beloved winter pastime, combining its ancient
heritage with modern innovations like lightweight
gear and high-speed slopes.
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Ancient Origins Olympic Debut
Skiing is one of the oldest
sports in the world, with Skiing first appeared in
evidence of people skiing in the Winter Olympics in
Scandinavia over 5,000 years 1924 with cross-country
ago. Early skis were made from skiing events. Alpine skiing
wood and animal hides! was added later, in 1936.
Fastest Skiers
The fastest recorded Ski Resorts
speed on skis is an France's Trois Vallées is
incredible 252.4 km/h, the largest ski resort in
achieved by Simone the world, boasting over
Origone, an Italian speed 600 kilometers of ski
skier, in 2006. runs.
Health Benefits
Skiing is great for
fitness! It strengthens
leg muscles, improves
balance, and burns up
to 600 calories an hour.
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