Countdown to Paris 2024: Sport over the decades
Anticipation is building for the 2024 Summer Olympics which takes place in the French capital of Paris from July 26 to August 11.
Thousands of athletes from across the world will compete in a host of sports, marking the Games return to Paris for the first time in a century.
So, in light of this historic event, we have taken the opportunity to look back through the decades and reflect on the sporting activities which people have enjoyed across the generations in the county.
These black and white images offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing moments of triumph, perseverance, and determination, capturing the essence of sport that has remained unchanged today.
These archive images are among more than 6,500 which are available at the County Record Office – where you can browse the collection or buy photos.
If you have any further information about any of the images on this page, our archivists would be keen to hear about it. Please email yny@northyorks.gov.uk.
Hockey and football matches underway on The Stray in Harrogate in the 1950s.
Playing golf on the miniature golf course at Valley Gardens in Harrogate (early 1960s). From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A group of canoeists enjoying the rapids of the River Ribble under Paythorne Bridge (no date). From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A cycling race during French Week in Harrogate in 1957, and Mr. J.J. Perks, the winner of the Harrogate French Week cycle race in 1958. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
A cycling race during French Week in Harrogate in 1957, and Mr. J.J. Perks, the winner of the Harrogate French Week cycle race in 1958. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Sailing on the River Ure at Langthorpe (no date). From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Archers get ready to fire their arrows at Scorton Arrows - a famous competition, which is deemed to be the longest running in the country, having begun in 1673. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Edwardian tennis players. Part of a collection from a photographer’s shop, Cheapside, in Knaresborough.
Horse-riding at Grafton, July 1923. From a collection of photographs by local amateur photographer Louisa Kruckenberg.
Members of Selby Swimming Club in 1903.
Topcliffe United AFC, the winners of the Thirsk and District League 1912-1913, from a collection of Topcliffe village records.
Wrestler Big Daddy on the front cover of a Wrestling Review programme, Grand Hotel Ballroom, Scarborough (no date).
Playing skittles at Buckden village fair. From the Bertram Unné photographic collection.
Skipton Girls’ High School netball team in 1927.