The Origin of Fencing, Rowing, Tennis, Cock-fighting, Swimming, Golf, Badminton, Boxing and Bullfighting

The Origin of Fencing, Rowing, Tennis, Cock-fighting, Swimming, Golf, Badminton, Boxing and Bullfighting

It is thought that the Egyptians began fencing as a sport and this is

derived from images on walls and relics from that time. The images

show fencers wearing forms of protective clothing, earflaps and having

covers on the ends of their swords. It is also thought that they may

have been used to let fighters practice their swordsmanship, without

any danger of being harmed.

Fencing will take place at the Helliniko Olympic Complex However,

modern fencing is claimed by the Italians, Spanish and French and it

is in the 18th Century the current system of rules, scoring and

equipment came into place. The equipment was prescribed as the Foil, a

metal mask with eye slits and a protective vest or jacket.

Fencing has been included in the Olympic program.

Duels were commonly used to settle disputes and its popularity

developed in public schools and universities during the nineteenth

century.

Today fencing is practised throughout the world with three weapons:

The foil which was produced for sporting purposes.

The epee which was produced for infantry fighting.

The sabre which was produced as a cavalry weapon.

The women's foil was first contested at the 1924 Games, but it was not

until 1996 that women's epee followed.

WHO began fencing as a sport?

When was women's fencing included in the Olympic program?

What equipment is needed?

ROWING

Rowing began as a utilitarian activity, when it provided the power for

transport in industrial towns and warships. By the 18th century there

were over 40 000 watermen and frequent contest were common. By the 19th

century the standard of rowing was increasing. Professionalism was

also increasing and as this did so rowing races attracted an enormous

following. However the professionals soon began to coach amateur crews

and it is due to this rise in amateurism and the power held by middle

class administrators that professionalism declined.

The firsts were heavy and wide, with fixed seats and oars rested on