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The article presents a cultural and social history of sport in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Particular focus is given to the importance of the sport of gymnastics and its function in developing national identities for each region. The relationship between sports and politics, specifically during the Cold War era, is highlighted and the Sokol, or Falcon, gymnastics movement is explored. Developments and changes in sport historiography in the former Czechoslovakia and the ethnic diversity of Czech and Slovak society are examined.