The Origins of Sports Training: Training Philosophy during the Ancient Olympic Games

This study collects historical literature on “training science” during the period of the Ancient Olympic Games (776 BC to 394 AD), and examines the development of athletic activities and events, such as the Ancient Olympic Games. It analyzes the development process and key elements of sports training practices during the Ancient Olympic Games. The study argues that: (1) Like other ancient civilizations, sports in the Greek world originated from military practices, with the idea that “military training can be applied to competitions, and sports training can be applied to warfare.” (2) Influenced by factors such as rewards, honor, and prestige in the Olympic Games, the concept of “professional athletes,” “professional coaches,” and “researchers with multidisciplinary expertise” gradually emerged. (3) The training philosophy during the Ancient Olympic Games included conceptual divisions of sports and exercise, systematic training process, levels of “general” and “specialized” training, a four-day training cycle, and methods of diet and massage for recovery.