How have new sports developed over past decades?

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The evolution of sport is fascinating journey that spans thousands of years, reflecting social changes. Science plays a major role in evolution of sports, in more than one way. Let’s explore the evolution of sports:

Ancient Sport

Earlier humans engaged in physical activities that laid base for several modern sports. These activities involved wrestling, jumping, running and various forms of martial arts, often used for survival. Firstly, Olympic games held in Olympia around 776 BC, and it became most prestigious athletic event in ancient world.

The period of 18^th and 19^th centuries marked a significant series of transformation in sports. The advancement in technology, mass media, transportation made sports accessible to worldwide. Additionally, new sports were invented such as skateboarding, snowboarding, catering to evolving tastes and interest.

There are some transformations of sports in recent years:

Ice Hockey

Initially, Benedict was first goalie to wear mask in game, doing so on February 20, 1930. However, it was different than we saw today. His mask was made up of leather that covered his nose, forehead, cheeks, mouth while leaving his eyes completely open.

Three decades later, Jacques Plante was struck in face by slapshot and was badly cut on his nose, in 1959. The Montreal Canadiens had built a fiberglass mask and had been using it in practice to protect himself. The Canadiens went on 18-game winning streak, only losing to Detroit when Plante was forced to remove the mask. After that, mask was there to stay, and other goalies began to wear this.

Today, goalie not only wear mask, but rest of team also have a protective headgear for their safety. The goalie mask was still made up of fiberglass but has secured padding and increase in thickness over time. Goalies have opted for full cage for better equipped protection.

Ski Jumping

Initially: Ski jumping can be traced back to Norwegian Ole who jumped 9.5m in 1908. His countrymen Jacob Tullin and Sigmund Rudd developed new jumping style referred to as Kongsberger technique, in early 1900s. athletes jumped with their upper body bent at hips with forward lean and their arms are extended at front with their skis parallel to another. This technique lasted until 1950s, Daescher technique proved to offer better results than this. Athletes fold their arms back alongside their body with less bend at their waist.

Now: This Daescher technique lasted until 1980s, when Jan Boklov introduced the V, which has been the preferred technique since all Olympic medalists used this technique. The V technique is similar to Daescher technique with athletes still keeping their arms back, however skis are now placed in flying in “V” shape to allow for more lift and longer jumps.

Tennis

Then: tennis used to be played at slower place, with more points won at net after a succession of volleys rather than power. Athletes used wooden-framed rackets that were 9 inches wide and 27 inches long. The net of racket was made up of natural gut, which was affected by weather. In competitions, all athletes wore all-white outfits.

Now: tennis is fast-paced game of power. Points are earned through explosive exchanges from baseline rather than volley by net. Rackets are now lighter than before, as they are made up of graphite and other materials, sizing in at 10-12 inches wide and 7 inches long. These changes allow players to swing racket faster than before and have larger surface area to make good contact. Athletes are becoming more adventurous with colorful outfits, except at Wimbledon, where all-white rule is still in place.

Cycling

Then: initially. Athletes didn’t wear anything on their heads for protection. Eventually, strips of leather covered padding called “hairnets” were worn, which didn’t help with initial impact of crash. As for bikes, they were made up steel with wheels that looked similar to those on leisure-use bicycles.

Now: Cyclist now wear modern skinsuit and helmets that ensure better protection and aid in cutting through air in order to move faster. The bikes are now made up of carbon fiber and in other events, have disc wheel that acts as a sail to help in cutting the air.

In conclusion, evolution of sports reflects human civilization. The sports evolved from ancient to modern by adding more rules and ensuring the heavy protection equipment and suit to wear. In spite of this, science has also revolutionized the modern sports, by building strong materials; used in different equipment.