Total Gymnastics

Total Gymnastics — page 5
2 GREEK ROOTS Ancient Greeks would probably not recognize their sport today Still the roots of modern gymnastics are unmistakably Greek Gymnastics was born in Greece more than 2,000 years ago Physical fitness was important to the ancient Greeks Their culture valued warriors and athletes The Greeks devoted a lot of time to athletic feats such as running tumbling and vaulting They trained in gymnasiums to make their bodies strong In the beginning gymnastics meant all the activities practiced in the gymnasium The first modern Olympics were held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens Greece 8 8