Superstars (TV program) facts for kids

Superstars is a cool TV show where amazing athletes from different sports compete against each other. Imagine a decathlon, which is a competition with many different athletic events – Superstars is like that, but with athletes from all sorts of sports! They try to win a series of challenges to see who is the best all-around athlete.

The idea for Superstars came from Dick Button, a famous figure skating champion. The TV company ABC liked the idea and bought it as a special show for the winter of 1973. The very first Superstars competition happened in Rotonda West, Florida in March 1973. The first winner was Bob Seagren, who was a pole vaulter. The BBC in the United Kingdom also showed the competition and even started their own version on December 31, 1973, featuring British athletes.

What Kinds of Sports Do They Play?

In Superstars, competitors usually take part in ten different sports. These often include a 100-yard dash (a short sprint), an 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, and an obstacle course. They also compete in weightlifting, bowling, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, and swimming.

Sometimes the sports change a bit, depending on the year or whether it's the American or European competition. For example, in the very first USA competition, there was no obstacle course. Instead, they played table tennis and baseball.

How Do Athletes Win?

Athletes earn points based on how well they do in each event. If you finish first, you get more points than if you finish last. After all ten events are done, the competitor with the most points wins the whole Superstars competition! It's all about being good at many different things, not just one sport.

American Superstars Winners

Here's a list of some of the amazing athletes who have won the Superstars competition in America: