Costa Rica has many sports that happen around the country, but has a couple of main ones. Its biggest sport is soccer, which English settlers introduced to Costa Rica in the early 20th century and skyrocketed after that. Since then, Costa Rica has created local and provincial teams around the country and a national team called Unión Centroamericana de Futbol (UNCAF). This national team participated in the summer games in Berlin in 1936 and its first Olympics in 1953. 

            Because of Costa Rica’s natural elements, distinctive appeal, amazing beaches and tropical climate, surfing is also a big sport in the country. The oceans have extensive coastlines, point breaks, consistent waves, warm water temps, reef breaks, and beach breaks, making it easy for a surfer to find a good wave to ride. Surfers come from all around the world to join the local surfers in competitions. They surf in front of many spectators and have sponsors such as Reef, Rip Curl, Roxy, and others. As the popularity of the sport of surfing has increased, so has the surfing camps and schools open to all visitors and locals. 

            Mountain biking has also skyrocketed due to tropical climates as well. Bikers ride for exercise while seeing the beautiful views along the way. They ride on mountain trails such as dirt roads, roaring streams, and lush forests. There are also seaside trails along the Nicoya Peninsula and villages, towns, and rainforests that bikers ride in. Costa Rica has a big bike race that is called “Ruta de los Conquistadors.” This race is joined by international and local bikers and is one of the most challenging in the world. It lasts for four days and is during the rainy season. 

            Lastly, basketball is not the most popular sport in Costa Rica as of right now, but is becoming more popular each year. The country has a Costa Rican National Basketball League (LNB) which started in 2005. The league has many different teams from many different cities across the country, and more and more top-tier players are joining, making the league more enjoyable to play in and watch, especially for younger people. The country has Camaraderie and Sportsmanship promotions for basketball due to teamwork. 

            Costa Rica has many famous athletes, but two have made a huge impact and influence in the country. The first one is a swimmer named Claudia Poll Ahrens who won the country’s first gold medal in 1996. She won it in a 200 metre freestyle meet. The second one is Paulo Wanchope, who was a soccer star and coach for the country. He was a striker who played for the senior Costa Rica national team as well as the Premier League, Derby County Club,  and many other teams. He also later managed teams after retiring. Overall, Costa Rica has many different sports and athletes, with some more popular than others and some gaining more popularity.

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