Final answer:
Wrestling is widely considered the oldest sport known to humankind, with its presence in ancient sports competitions and the early Olympic Games signifying its historic significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oldest sport known to humankind is widely considered to be wrestling. When studying the evolution of sports, one can find that sports have been an integral part of the human experience, tracing back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence reveals that early sports were often based on skills necessary for war, such as running, jumping, throwing, and wrestling. These activities were part of what later evolved into the Olympic Games, with origins in the ancient Greek village of Olympia. Wrestling was a key event during these early Olympics, highlighting its long-standing importance and status as one of the oldest known sports.