History of sports

Sports in general and water sports in particular have a long history

Probably the oldest evidence of this kind of physical exercise is to be found where there is hardly any water left: in the Sahara. Roughly 8000-year-old rock paintings show swimmers doing a kind of breaststroke. In later advanced civilizations, numerous sources show the importance of sporting activities. In ancient Greece, sport reaches an unprecedented level of popularity with athletes becoming celebrities. With the introduction of the Olympic Games in 776 BC, a major sporting event is created that still inspires people all over the world today. Even then, Greek doctors investigated the positive effects of physical activity on our health.

Swimming is not an Olympic discipline in ancient times, but almost everyone can do it, as many towns are located on the coast. It's just part of a good education. When Greeks or Romans make fun of an uneducated person, they say: "He can neither read nor swim!". Roman soldiers are particularly good swimmers, because they manage it in heavy armour.

In the Middle Ages, however, hardly anyone knows how to swim, as it is simply inappropriate to be scantily clad. In addition, there are countless stories about sea monsters, which lead to people refraining from this type of physical exercise.

The term "sport", as it is used today, only comes into being in England in the 19th century and spreads from there across Europe and the entire world. The popularity of sport at that time can be seen in 1896 when the first Olympic Games of the Modern Era are held.

One of the Olympic disciplines is rowing, which as a sport has its origins in 18th century England. In 1715, the first modern rowing competition takes place there, making rowing one of the oldest team sports in the world.

The first sailing club is also opened in the 18th century, in Ireland. The first regatta is launched in 1749 by the Prince of Wales. For a long time, sailing is an expensive hobby and therefore reserved for the elite. In 1891, German Emperor Wilhelm II takes part in the Kiel Week and sails with his yacht Meteor against competitors from all over the world. These consist almost exclusively of aristocrats and the nouveau riche. Over time, sailing gains more and more popularity. The trend becomes more widespread as boats become cheaper and more affordable for the other social strata.

Surfing too has enjoyed a long history. Anyone who thinks this is a 20th century sport is greatly mistaken. Its origins are attributed to the Polynesians. Cave paintings from as early as the 12th century depict people gliding over the water on the waves. In the course of their sea voyages, they bring surfing to Hawaii in around 1720 and thus ensure the spread of this sport. In Europe, a documented history does not begin until the mid-1950s, in France. A wide variety of types of surfing has developed, such as kite surfing, which is particularly popular at Traunsee.

Here on the promenade you can try out many water sports, some even under expert guidance. Why not try something new? You can pick up all the information at the tourist office.