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The Disappearance of Diedrich Knickerbocker: How Washington Irving’s Clever Hoax Named the New York Knicks
‘Knickerbocker’ has many meanings. Without Washington Irving, it would likely only have one.
SPORTS
Criminal Ring: How Muhammad Ali’s 1970 Comeback Led to a Big-Money Heist
When Muhammad Ali returned to the ring after three years in exile, a team of thieves took the opportunity to steal more than $1 million from fans in a brazen armed robbery. A series about the heist hits Peacock September 5.
‘Wassup?’: The Origins of the Famous Budweiser Ad
Before it became a cultural phenomenon, Budweiser’s “Wassup” ad started as a short film.
How the Giant Foam Finger Became a Staple of Sports Events
Those giant foam fingers you wave in the air at sporting events might seem to tower over the crowd, but they actually have a pretty humble origin story.
20 Colorful Slang Terms from Olympic Sports
Here are 20 fun bits of Olympics slang, from diving’s ‘bingo’ to gymnastics’ ‘twisties.’
The Not-So-Slippery Origins of Shower Shoes
The German national soccer team was looking for shoes to wear in the shower to prevent athlete’s foot. Adidas founder Adi Dassler offered an innovative solution: shower shoes.
Why Did Synchronized Swimming Change Its Name?
Synchronized swimming now goes by the name ‘artistic swimming.’ Here's why.
Why Does One Volleyball Player Wear a Different Color Than Their Teammates?
Volleyball doesn’t have goalkeepers, but it does have liberos—and the rules are a little different for them.
Why Does the Olympic Host Country Win So Many Medals?
There are several reasons why a host country might see a boost in the Olympics medal count.
Why Do Some Olympic Athletes Wear Paper Numbers?
The big paper tags seen on Olympic track and field athletes are both high-tech tracking devices and sentimental souvenirs.
What Song Is Played If a Stateless Olympian Wins a Gold Medal?
No, they can’t pick their own anthem for their medal ceremony.
Why Is the Olympic Field Hockey Pitch So Wet?
Here’s why high-level field hockey competitions keep the turf nice and watered.
How Much Gold is in a Gold Medal?
The amount of gold in Olympic medals is regulated, and there’s a lot less than there used to be.
The Star Tennis Player Who Survived the ‘Titanic’ and Went On to Win Olympic Gold
Richard Norris Williams dreamed of being a tennis great. The ‘Titanic’ nearly cost him his legs.
What Do the Hand Signals Mean in Olympic Beach Volleyball?
Beach volleyball's hand signals are a handy way for a blocker to clue their teammate into their next move.
Why Do Olympic Swimmers Wear Two Caps?
There's a reason why two caps are better than one.
Why Are Olympic Fencers Attached to Cables?
Fencing body cords aren't a safety measure.
How Olympic ‘Fast Pools’ Are Designed for Maximum Performance
Learn the science behind the most advanced swimming pools out there.
A Stimulating History of Free Condoms at the Olympics
Condoms in the Olympic Village have been a tradition—and a public health service—since 1988.
Why Do Olympic Swimmers Slap Themselves?
It's to get the blood flowing—or is it?
Why Are Some Olympic Swimmers Covered In Dark Circles?
In events where success or failure can be measured in tiny increments, it’s not surprising athletes will turn to any potential advantage. But does cupping actually work?
What Do the Olympic Rings Mean?
Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin, intended the rings to represent nations “united by Olympism.”
How Is the Olympic Flame Lit—and How Does It Stay Lit?
This year, the Olympic torch made a symbolic journey from Greece to Paris for the Summer Games.
Why Won’t Team USA Dip the Flag at the Olympics Opening Ceremonies?
America is the only country that refuses to do so.