Originating in India where it was known as “Poona,” badminton was brought to England where it was introduced to society at the country home of the Duke of Beaufort. And the Name of his estate? Why, badminton, of course.

The initial speed of a golf ball after being hit by a golf club is about 140 mph.

Olympic gold medals aren’t really gold. They are mostly silver that has only been coated with only about six grams of gold. They are worth about $110 each. Silver medals are made from pure silver and are worth about $66; a bronze medal is worth about $16.

On May 6, 1970, an athlete by the name of Yuichiro Miura slid down the face of Mt. Everest, skiing 6,600 feet almost straight down in only 2 minutes and 20 seconds. He fell another 1,320 feet, but survived.

The bobsled run at Innsbruck, Austria, was constructed at a cost of 5.25 billion dollars for the 1976 Olympics. Tourists daring enough to try can use the run during the off season at a mere $3 a head.

Mary Queen of Scots, born in the middle of the 16th century, was probably the first lady golfer of note.

Long time famous band leader, Guy Lombardo, was obviously racier then he appeared. He drove his Tempo VI power boat nearly 71 mph to win the Gold Cup in 1946.

Former Houston Astros pitcher, James Rodney Richard stood a statuesque 6 feet 8 inches tall. He could hold seven baseballs in one hand – all at the same time!

The beautiful, late Grace Kelley, Hollywood actress turned princess, wasn’t the only celebrity in her family. Her father, John B. Kelly, Sr., was one of the most versatile oarsmen in the history of the United States. Among other achievements, he won a total of three Olympic championships.

The legendary Austin family of Rolling Hills Estates, Los Angeles, in ten years time earned four hundred tennis tournament victories in local, state, and national competitions. Even nine-year-old Tracy excelled at the game, beating the best woman player in her family’s club.

Horseshoe pitching originated in Rome around 100 A.D., when Roman soldiers first began protecting their horse’s hooves with bands of iron.

In some South American countries it is illegal to fight in a duel unless each participant is recorded on file with the Red Cross as a blood donor.

In the right hands, a fiberglass bow can launch an arrow nearly a mile further than an old wooden bow is capable of shooting.

Wrestling as a sport has been around for a long time. The walls of some ancient temples along the Nile depict hundreds of hand painted pictures of wrestlers in various positions of play.

©Lori S. Anton