In various fields, new possibilities keep emerging as a result of regular research and technological development. Already space tourism and the use of jetpacks don’t seem so surprising. Although previously, many modern technologies were first described by science fiction writers in literary works. This trend will continue in the future. Let’s take a look at what sci-fi sports might emerge in the coming decades.
Laser sword fencing
Scientists at Harvard and MIT discovered that photons can interact with each other during an experiment to find ways to transmit quantum information. They merge as they fly through a cloud of rubidium and then cool to near absolute zero. Once they merge, a new molecule is formed, whose behaviour closely resembles the Jedi lightsabre contact in the famous Star Wars film. This discovery could be the first step in the future development of such a sport as lightsabre swordsmanship.
Geocaching with teleportation
Scientists at the University of Maryland have performed quantum teleportation of an atom by only one metre so far. If the technology is further developed, the game of hide-and-seek using GPS devices (geocaching) will be possible all over the planet.
Cyborg athlete competitions
In the future, humans may evolve into machines. After all, the field of prosthetics is constantly evolving. There will come a time when athletes will compete even with altered muscle structure. One shining example of this is the legless athlete Oscar Pistorius, who uses carbon fibre prostheses. He has won various competitions with healthy athletes.
Competing on a hoverboard
A flying skateboard is already in development. There is even a functioning board, like in the Back to the Future 2 film, but it cannot yet support human weight. A real hoverboard is powered by electromagnetism. Progress in this direction gives hope that soon it will be possible to ride and compete on flying skateboards.
Space mountaineering
Adventurous sports enthusiasts can hope that the development of space technology will enable rock-climbing on other planets. After all, there are much higher mountain peaks in the solar system than on Earth.
Floating in a sphere with water
Water levitates in zero gravity. Few people would refuse to swim in such an environment. So swimming in a sphere of water in zero gravity is bound to become a popular competition, such as on an orbiting station.
Lunar skiing
Harrison Schmitt of the Apollo 17 crew noted that skiing on the Moon would be convenient. If space programmes succeed, it is possible that skiing on the dusty lunar surface would be popular with the first settlers.
Space gymnastics
With low gravity, athletes have the opportunity to try out new exercises that cannot be performed on Earth. Therefore, gymnastics in space will become a more spectacular sport.
Jetpack races
Experts assert that within 10 years they will begin to conduct competitions on flying machines – jetpacks. Already now a New Zealand company is testing such a device. Therefore extreme sportsmen will have to wait just a little longer.
Football in zero gravity
Sporting events in orbit are set to take off in the near future as the number of space tourists increases. Customers of Zero-Gravity, which offers the opportunity to experience zero gravity on board a modified Boeing 727, have already tried playing football in zero gravity.
