[Improving performance and promoting health by sports participation]

The 20th century witnessed the globalization of international sporting competitions, most notably in Olympic Competition. Thus whereas fewer than 20 countries competed in the 1900 Olympic Games, close to 200 countries were represented at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. There has also been a progressive improvement in athletic performance during the past century, for reasons that are described in this article. A question that needs to be asked is whether this increased global participation in competitive sport has improved the health of the general population in those countries in which international competitive sports have been promoted. There is little evidence to support this possibility. An important goal of the beginning century must be to globalize sporting participation amongst the general population specifically for health enhancement.