Browsing: historical sports

In the late 19th century, professional walking captivated American audiences as one of the nation’s earliest spectator sports. Known as pedestrianism, it drew huge crowds and lucrative bets before fading into obscurity.

In 19th-century Britain, a bizarre sport known as “pankration” captivated crowds, rivaling football’s popularity. Combining wrestling and boxing, it tested strength and skill, reflecting a unique athletic culture lost to time.