The Compass gets sporty! The sport that inspired American football, how gladiators got ready to rumble, and America’s fastest growing sport.

RJ Hamster

2 years ago

SEE BELOW, CAN YOU GUESS THE RIGHT ANSWER?

THE COMPASS

This week, we jump into the world of sports. Uncover the obscure Italian sport that inspired modern American football, learn how basketball went from peach baskets in Springfield to a global phenomenon, and see how Title IX transformed education and sports for women.

PHOTOGRAPH BY CLARA VANNUCCI, INSTITUTE

This obscure Italian sport inspired modern American football

Despite horrific injuries, Florence’s neighborhoods still compete for glory in calcio storico every summer.

THE ORIGINAL GOAL GAME

PHOTOGRAPH BY KENDRICK BRINSON

‘Pickleball is for everyone’: Inside America’s fastest growing sport

From celebrities to septuagenarians, everyone seems to be picking up a paddle. Now, this pro player is pushing to make the sport even more accessible.

PICKLEBALL MANIA

PHOTOGRAPH VIA AGEFOTOSTOCK / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Here’s the history of basketball—from peach baskets in Springfield to global phenomenon

The first game used baskets as hoops and turned into a brawl. Soon after, basketball evolved into a pillar of American sports.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

ON APRIL 26, PEALS OF ORGAN MUSIC RANG OUT ACROSS A BASEBALL STADIUM FOR THE FIRST TIME. WHAT YEAR WAS IT?

A. 1941
B. 1936
C. 1953

CLICK TO SEE IF YOU’RE RIGHT!

PHOTOGRAPH BY REMI BENALI

How Roman gladiators got ready to rumble

Before they could lay the smackdown in the arena, gladiators were professionally trained, combining a physical regimen with an education in the rules of the ring.

ANCIENT PERSONAS

DID YOU MISS THESE TOP STORIES?

How old are you, really? The answer is written on your face.

Does a woman’s fertility really plummet at age 35?

Can science help personalize your diet?

COURTESY OF LOUISIANA TECH ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

Title IX at 50: How the U.S. law transformed education for women

After centuries of unchecked discrimination, the landmark civil rights law leveled the playing field in sports—and allowed millions of women to earn degrees.

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION AND SPORTS

WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

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