Rollerblading History

Author: jangkrikjr

8 Aug

Any sport has its roots. Rollerblading has been turning its wheels as early as 1700. For rollerblading enthusiasts and even those who are just enjoying the sport that may be a surprise since we all think that rollerblading a new sport. But the rolling started in 1863 when a conventional looking roller skates was released, its wheels were positioned side by side.

Actually, using the term rollerblading can sometimes be politically incorrect. The word rollerblade is based on the name on an inline skate manufacturer with the same name. If you are using a different set of skates not from the mentioned manufacturer, then it would safe to say that you are doing some in-line skating.

Rollerblades were first made popular during the 80s. it was 1980 when Scott and Brennan Olsen (Olson in some documents) discovered some in-line skates in a store. It was not that popular during that time. The brothers thought that this would be an excellent way for ice skaters and hockey players to train, whole year-round. They improved the design and after its release in the market, not only ice skaters and hockey players grew fond of it.

The Olsen brothers where the owners of Rollerblade, Inc. and they made in-line skates popular that its public name was the same as the name of their company. Although, the brothers were not the inventors or creators of in-line skates, they turned it to be their own product. Old materials were replaced with modern materials that could improve the skates durability and quality.

Way before Olsen brothers made in-line skates popular, it was already seen in a number of times. In 1943, London stage graced roller skate when it was used as a stage act, unfortunately the creator of this skate remains to be anonymous and unmentioned in historical references. While in 1818, in-line skates were used to perform an entrance for a ballet performance.

Inline skates have transformed since then. Right now, skates do not just have wooden spools of thread attached at the bottom of the shoe. It now has rubber rings that would cover the wheels and allow better grip.

Rollerblade were just for used for recreational skating until it was introduced as an extreme sport in the 90s. Currently, aside from aggressive skating, there are also in-line figure skating events. Rollerblading also became a popular fitness activity, with studies backing it up as a great alternative for running and walking.

Rollerblading has gone a long way. It has undergone many changes that we have all mistook it as a product of the recent decade. But it does not end nor put a period on in-line skates transformation. It has a promising future, as well as its sports.

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