Summer sports like Archery, Shooting, The Marathon, Track and Field, Equestrian, Swimming, Diving and Sailing, and most of the winter sports contested in the Winter Olympics, all have some historical evidence relating to them.
Take Archery for example. Not only was the arrow a weapon of war, it was a key hunting tool so as to feed a community. Therefore the archer's keen eye and expert shot was paramount. And recognised it was – we've all watched Robin Hood and his merry men and those inevitable archery contests. Australia has done well in Archery over the years.
So too Shooting. Ever since gun powder was developed, so too has shooting became a sport whereby the targets are set up and the bulls eye becomes the marker. Moreover Australians have done well in shooting contests.
The Marathon is no secret, I've discussed this before with references to ancient Greece. Track and Field too is associated with such physical arts, look at the discus and javelin which are obvious examples of the ancient art of throwing skills.
Horses have been of the landscape of mankind for as long as records illustrate and the Equestrian events are simply an extension of such rider and horse abilities. Any one initiated into this arena are well aware that Princess Ann is an Olympic Gold medallist, and its appropriate with her family's background.
Swimming and Diving are ancient pursuits which the modern world has taken up with great authority. Australians are obvious enthusiasts. We could hardly betray sailing as the ancients survived by their skills in seamanship along with fishing as a major ancient industry.
The Ski sports are just so much part of the winter culture that inevitably these come up as trumps in all such ancient sport endeavours flowing on into the modern world.
Sadly, the Ruggers (Union and Rugby League) along with the AFL, Cricket and yes, even Soccer and Netball seem to be quite modern sports. Ancient records such as on Egyptian pyramid walls don't reveal Soccer's dramatics such as the "classic trip" event or the 'theatrical dive'.
Surprisingly, what we do find in such ancient art are the artistic impressions best described as modern hockey. Take a look for yourself and you be the judge: www.touregypt.net/historicalessays/ancsportsa1.htm
As the Australian Hockey League is under way, it might not be such a bad idea to take a look at current results: www.hockey.org.au