Sports Facts for Kids

Volleyball was originally called "Mintonette" when it was invented in 1895.

Usain Bolt reached a top speed of 27.8 miles per hour, making him the fastest human ever recorded.

Hockey pucks are frozen before games so they don't bounce as much on the ice.

Surfing was invented in Polynesia hundreds of years ago and was considered the sport of kings in Hawaii.

James Naismith, who invented basketball, originally wrote just 13 rules for the game.

Tennis balls are yellow because it's the easiest colour to see on television — before 1972, they were white.

Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in the world, with about 4 billion fans.

A badminton shuttlecock can travel over 300 miles per hour, making it the fastest racket sport.

Michael Phelps has won 23 Olympic gold medals, more than any other athlete in history.

Sumo wrestlers eat up to 10,000 calories per day — that's about 5 times what a typical kid needs.