Sports have been a fundamental part of human culture, reflecting our physical capabilities, societal values, and technological advancements. Gabe Thornton takes us through this evolution, from the ancient Olympic Games to the rise of esports, which now claim millions of viewers worldwide. This article dissects how sports have changed with society, from the introduction of professional leagues and the commercialization of sports to the integration of technology in training, performance analysis, and even the rules of the game. It discusses the physiological and psychological training required in modern sports compared to ancient times and how sports have become a platform for social issues and activism. The piece also tackles the debate over what constitutes a ‘sport’ in the digital age, where esports athletes train rigorously but don’t exert physical effort in the traditional sense. It concludes by examining the cultural shifts, the economic model of sports broadcasting, and how sports continue to evolve, potentially integrating virtual and augmented reality into future competitions.
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