The Ancient Greek Olympic Games was seen as an exhibit of skill to be used during war time. All the events were therefore practical. Many of the same events then carry different rules than their modern counter part. For instance, the broad jump was a demonstration of river or ravine jumping. The broad jump was also done using a tool called a halteres. The halteres was a tool used as pendulum like weight to help propel athletes further. However, the weights also served a purpose in the back swing as a stabalizer and secondary propulsion. Halteres' ranged from 2 to 10 pounds based on individual preference without regulation as to size, shape, or composition.

Because the broad jump was previously based on usefulness a broad jump distance would only count if the athlete landed standing erect. Being graceful was a key component in the execution of the event. Where now the location of your feet is the recorded distance, regardless of landing or not.

When looking at many of the modern day olympic events it takes away from the effectiveness of many of the movements and focuses merely on abstract challenges. If Parkour were to make an entrance into the Olympics we believe that it would return in a fashion much like the ancient days of the Greek games.

More to come on the Olympics! Countdown: 14 Days!