HistoryExtra podcast Sport's strangest tales
11 snips
Nov 25, 2024 
In this engaging discussion, James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski, both QI researchers and co-hosts of No Such Thing as a Fish, delve into the quirky history of sports. They explore the evolution of ancient games into modern sports, revealing the surprising links between sports and warfare. Cheating and doping scandals take center stage, showcasing bizarre incidents and their psychological underpinnings. The conversation also highlights pioneering women in sports, particularly the first woman to cycle around the globe, and the evolving relationship between fans and their beloved games.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ball Materials
- Balls have historically been made from diverse materials like crushed cans, orange, kangaroo scrotums, etc.
- Blind football, invented in the 1920s, uses a ball with rocks or rattles for audibility.
Basketball Origins
- Basketball was invented by James Naismith using peach baskets nailed to a balcony.
- The height of the baskets was dictated by the sports hall's dimensions, influencing the game today.
Cheating and Innovation
- Cheating in sports appears hardwired, providing a "cheater's high" from rule subversion.
- Innovation often stems from rule-bending, like Dick Fosbury's Fosbury Flop in high jump.
