The convergence of sports and politics is evident in the bodyline controversy, in which English bowlers deliberately threw at the bodies of Australian batsmen. This “unsporting” behavior caused serious questions about fair play, and jeopardized Australia’s political ties with Great Britain. Eventually, both the Australian and British governments became involved in the bodyline controversy, and Australia has maintained its independence in dealing with Great Britain ever since. Athletes have largely become a part of the culture, as the bodies of players and spectators often represent a nation.
Sports have many benefits for people. They not only reduce the incidence of certain diseases, but can also improve the physical condition of individuals. Different types of sports benefit different parts of the body, and are essential for children’s development. Sports fans are a diverse bunch. Some watch on television, while others attend matches in stadiums or other venues to cheer on their favorite players. Despite the varied types of sports, the vast majority of participants in the world are fans, or spectators.
There are several theories as to when sport first developed. One theory suggests that humans played games before the Industrial Revolution. Certainly, they were active as children. In the late 16th century, Czech educator John Amos Comenius encouraged physical activity. However, the elites were interested in dances and geometric patterns. This period also saw the development of ballet, in which ballet choreographers trained horses to perform elegant movements. As humans became increasingly educated, the concept of a sports record began to emerge.