The modern Olympics evolved from sports competitions held in ancient Greece. It holds a special place in the history of sports. Ancient sports competitions also flourished in other places; ancient China, Egypt, and Rome are good examples. Cave paintings found in Lascaux, France suggest that sports have been around for a longer period of time.

The advent of professional sports have produced stronger, healthier, wiser, and insanely athletic players. Gone are the days when one has to have a day job to be able to support a fledgeling sports career.