Sports Facts for Kids
If you love playing sports or watching them on television, here are some fun and interesting facts that you may not have known!
Did you know?
– That basketball was invented by a Canadian coach named James Naismith in December 1891? The first official game took place between Naismith’s students at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. The game used a soccer ball and two peach baskets, one at each end of the court.
– That football (soccer) is played by more people in more countries than any other sport in the world? It is also the most-watched sport on television.
– That baseball has been called the national pastime of the United States? It was first played in the 19th century and has become one of the most popular sports in North America.
– That tennis was first played in France in the 12th century? The word “tennis” comes from the French word “tenez,” which means “take this.”
– That the Olympic games have been held every four years since 1896? The games were first held in ancient Greece and were revived in the modern era to promote Olympic ideals of sportsmanship and international understanding.
– That the fastest recorded serve in tennis was hit by Australian player Samuel Groth in May 2012? His serve was measured at 263.4 km/h (163.7 mph)!
– That the first modern Olympic marathon was run in Athens, Greece, in 1896? The race was won by Greek runner Spyridon Louis. The modern marathon is 26.2 miles long, which is based on the distance between the Greek cities of Marathon and Athens.
– That the fastest recorded time for running the mile is 3 minutes, 43.13 seconds? This record was set by Moroccan runner Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.
– That the highest score ever recorded in a basketball game was 186 points? The game took place in 1987 between the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets, with the Pistons winning 186-184.
– That the longest tennis match on record lasted 11 hours, 5 minutes? This marathon match was played at Wimbledon in 2010 between American player John Isner and French player Nicolas Mahut. Isner won the match in the fifth set, which ended with a score of 70-68!