Sports: Olympics and Athletes | HISTORY.com - HISTORY

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Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Hundreds of thousands tuned in on the radio to the 1936 All-American Soap Box Derby, held in Akron, Ohio. This was only the Derby's third year in existence, but its popularity soared as America was looking for something to root for, still struggling from the Great Depression. The All-American Soap Box Derby has been held annually in Akron ever since.

The 1978 World Cup was hosted by Argentina, which was under a brutal military dictatorship at the time. Discover what really motivated the Argentine players to win the tournament, and some of the controversies they dealt with on their journey to victory.

English Hooliganism had placed a black cloud over the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Find out how the team’s inspiring journey, and heartbreaking loss to West Germany in the semi-finals, helped turn perceptions around.

As the hosts of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil was one of the favorites to win the whole tournament. Discover how that dream turned into a nightmare for the South American nation, when it was handed its biggest defeat in World Cup history at the hands of Germany.