Uk Athletics

In July 2005 the UK got one of the biggest confidence boosts for UK athletics. It was given the right to host the 2012 summer Olympic games beating out the leading favourites, Paris. The news that London was to receive the games gave UK athletic the long awaited credibility that it deserved. Since the Olympic decision was made athletic fever in this country has taken off.

The UK is a sporting nation but in recent years their competitiveness and ability has come into question. The nation has failed to win major tournaments and with the exception of Athens. Has not made a huge showing at the Olympics. However, trends are changing. With the news that the Olympics is coming, the UK has been pumping billions of pounds into UK athletics. This money is going to build state of the art athletic parks as well as create youth programs to promote sport.

UK athletics shares many similarities and differences with their American counterparts. Many of the same sports are played in the UK as in America however they may not be as popular. In American athletics one of the most popular sports is basketball. This sport is also growing at an alarming pace in the world of UK athletics; however the sport of choice for the British is still Soccer.

Many do not realize that some of the sports played today have their roots in UK athletics. Baseball is an excellent example. It has two very important ties to UK athletics. First, it was actually discovered by a British person. Second, the basics of baseball come from two very prominent British sports; those being Cricket and rounders.

The UK athletics programs have been gaining in ability and competitiveness. This is due in part to the Olympic bid as well a great UK coaches. Although UK athletics has come under criticism in recent years they are starting to turn things around. They are encouraging youngsters to engage more in sports activities and funding sports centres in lower economic areas. UK athletics has contributed to sports programs around the world. Whether it is through the history of sports or the popularity of British events, UK athletics has surely made its mark.