France

Exciting sporting facts

From hands to tennis rackets
The game 'Jeu de paume' was mentioned in France as early as 1292. It was the precursor of our modern tennis and was played by two people hitting the ball against a wall with the palms (= paume) of their hands. The aim was to play in a way that made it difficult for the other player to reach the ball. It wasn't until the mid-15th century that rackets replaced the use of hands in a widespread manner. In Germany, the game was known as 'ballhouse game'.
Later, 'Jeu de paume' was played over a rope, but, since players always argued whether the ball had passed on top or underneath, the net was introduced.
Even then, the game was enjoyed by men, women and children alike.

Extraordinary records
Ribbit!
13-year-old Yoann Michelli from France is a 'frog-leaping' champion. In this jumping exercise, you hold your big toes with your hands and are not allowed to let go until after you land. On 2 September, 2000, Yoann jumped a sensational 76 centimetres in this 'frog style'.

Underwater-Tornado
In Paris on 26 October, 2000, the swimmer Virginie Dedieu managed a record 22 full turns under water without coming up for air. In the same year, she and her team also won a gold medal in synchronised swimming at the Sidney Olympics.

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