Answers For [Forecast Q2-2025] - The history of extreme sports

Today we are going to look at an important area of sports, namely extreme sports. I suppose most of you are familiar with rock climbing, bungee jumping and skydiving - these are all examples of extreme sports, and each has different levels of danger.

We also have more common sports, such as football and cricket. But how did traditional and extreme sports begin?

Some feel that extreme sports are a reaction to the safety of modern life. As more and more restrictions are placed on us by governments as regards safety, some feel the need to rebel. Having said this though, rudimentary forms of the sports we see now were practised as far back as the 1600s.

1In the past, such sports were regarded as adventure sports, but now have been given the more applicable name of extreme sports.

As time progressed, so did the safety standards of these sports.

2In the 19th century in England, equipment, such as harnesses and helmets, were used, leading to less incidents of loss of life.

Even today, although the sports are still considered extremely dangerous, competitors will often use harnesses, parachutes, and other safety gear.

3During this period, factory workers played a large number of extreme sports games, which served as a way to boost solidarity at a working unit and also to build loyalty to the company.

Many workers took part in these games, such as rugby and football, and although they may have been a little rougher in those days, these sports by today's standard are not considered extreme.

4By the end of the 19th century, the game of golf had come into fashion as a sport for gentlemen who were in a higher social class and permitted to compete in these matches.

Interestingly, women also began to be allowed to play the game, and now there are many public and private clubs open to both men and women.

During the 21st century, there has been a rise in the popularity of what we now consider traditional sports, such as basketball, football and cricket.

These games are regularly taught and played in schools and universities, with high-profile matches being held in many countries.

5Some people, however, do not agree with this almost universal popularity.

6There are several reasons for this. Some feel that such sports are too restricted, that the regulations prevent full enjoyment of the game.

For example, there is a fixed time of play for many sports. Football matches are usually held in two halves, each half being 45 minutes long.

Some believe there should be a slackening of rules in this regard.

7Another drawback of these sports is that in order to become proficient at the sport, team members have to engage in training on a regular basis.

Many who would like to participate are unable to do so due to the lack of time. But some smaller teams in more localised areas usually allow unprofessional players to participate.

Some may wonder what moves people to participate in extreme sports. Surely the danger would dissuade many from engaging in these.

8But for some, it is this very fear they are eager to conquer that motivates them.

Many have found that jumping from an aeroplane of 12,000 feet above the ground or climbing a sheer cliff without the use of ropes and other safety gear, enables them to become braver and more confident.

As professional sports players go from strength to strength, and the standard gets higher, many young people want less competitive activities.

9They believe the government should provide sports more for recreational purposes, not just for professional competitions.

They feel that individual achievement shouldn't be the point of these games.

However individual health, well-being, and self-esteem should be the motivating factors and the rewards.

10For some, extreme sports, or indeed any sport, are not meant to challenge or oppose authority, but rather give the participants a feeling of participation, whereas society may otherwise shut them out.

Despite the good reasons to attend these sports, such as improved health, one should always weigh the risks, and be careful not to endanger one's own life, or the lives of others.

Well, that is all for today's lecture and if you have any questions ...