Young Abraham Lincoln excelled at “fives,” a precursor of handball.

With his exceptionally long arms and legs, he could reach and return the ball from any angle. One friend said he would play as if his life depended on it until he was nearly exhausted, then take a seat on the bench designated for tired players.

Mr. Lincoln was playing the game as he awaited the results of nominating convention in Chicago in May 1860.

Source: The Lincoln Institute