Sports Facts for Kids
Fun facts from the world of sports
Horse racing has been popular in Britain for centuries and is often called 'the sport of kings'. The Grand National at Aintree Racecourse is one of the world's most famous horse races, held each year in April.
Synchronised swimming was renamed 'artistic swimming' by the international governing body in 2017 to better reflect the athleticism and artistry of the sport. Athletes must be excellent swimmers and have great strength.
In cricket, teams spend considerable time polishing one side of the ball while letting the other side become rough. This difference creates 'swing' — the ball curves through the air towards the rough side.
Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021 due to the pandemic). Japanese skateboarders dominated, with 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya becoming the second-youngest Olympic champion ever.
Badminton is the fastest racket sport in the world. The shuttlecock can reach speeds of over 400 km/h when struck by a professional player — faster than a Formula 1 car in the pit lane.
Snooker was invented by British Army officers stationed in India in the late 19th century. It combines elements of two billiards games, and the name 'snooker' was British slang for an inexperienced soldier.
Sumo wrestling is Japan's national sport and has roots going back more than 1,500 years. It was originally performed as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods and pray for a good harvest.
Rowing is the only Olympic sport in which competitors cross the finish line travelling backwards. Rowers face the stern of the boat and push with their legs rather than pulling towards the front.
The first written rules of football (the Cambridge Rules) were drawn up in 1848. The Football Association was formed in 1863, which is why England is often called the birthplace of modern football.
The banked corners (called velodromes) of an indoor cycling track can be angled at up to 45 degrees. Riders must travel at high speed around the bends or gravity will pull them off their bikes.