The Olympic Games have come a long way since their modern revival in 1896 in Athens. Back then, only 241 athletes competed. Today, more than 10,000 athletes take part. The Olympic program has grown a lot, with nearly 100 events added since 1980. Many people dream of seeing their favorite sport in the Olympics, but only a few make the cut.
The First Step: Recognition by the IOC
To become an Olympic sport, the first step is to get recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC needs the sport to be managed by an international organization that oversees at least one sport. After this recognition, the sport moves to International Sports Federation (IF) status. At this point, the sport must follow the World Anti-Doping Code and conduct strict tests on its athletes. They must also follow the rules set by the Olympic Charter.
Take skateboarding, for instance. It was only recently added to the Olympics. The International Skateboarding Federation had to prove it could handle the strict anti-doping rules and global governance the IOC requires. Their journey shows how detailed and challenging the process is.
From Recognition to Competition
Just being recognized by the IOC doesn’t mean the sport will be in the Olympics. For example, bowling and chess are recognized sports but are not in the Olympic Games. To compete in the Olympics, the sport’s IF must apply to the IOC. This involves a petition that shows the sport meets all the criteria. The IOC can then admit the sport as a whole sport, a discipline (a branch of a sport), or an event (a competition within a discipline).
Triathlon is a great example. It became an Olympic sport in 2000, adding a fresh, dynamic element to the Games. Women’s wrestling became a new discipline in 2004, and women’s pole vaulting became a new event in 2000. These additions reflect the evolving nature of the Games and their attempt to stay relevant and exciting.
The Tough Criteria
The IOC has strict rules for accepting a sport into the Olympics. The sport must be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries across four continents, and by women in at least 40 countries across three continents. The sport should add value and appeal to the Olympics and reflect modern traditions.
For example, rugby sevens had to demonstrate its global reach and popularity before it was included in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It brought a fast-paced and thrilling element to the Games, captivating audiences worldwide.
Some sports, like chess and car racing, are kept out due to rules against “mind sports” and sports dependent on mechanical propulsion. These rules ensure the physical nature of the Games remains intact.
Balancing Act: Adding and Removing Sports
In recent years, the IOC has tried to keep the size of the Olympics manageable. They allow new sports only if other sports are removed. They regularly review sports to decide if they should stay. The IOC also considers how easy it is to find venues for some sports, like baseball and softball, and the media and public interest in the sport. Costs are also a big factor in these decisions.
For instance, the inclusion of sports like surfing and climbing in Tokyo 2020 aimed to attract younger audiences and boost viewer engagement. These decisions show the IOC’s efforts to keep the Olympics fresh and appealing.
Sports That Have Come and Gone
Many sports have been added to the Olympics over the years, but many have also been removed. Tug-of-war was once an Olympic sport. Polo, power boating, rackets, roque, and waterskiing were once part of the Games but have been dropped. Some sports, like cricket and lacrosse, were dropped but later reinstated.
It’s interesting to note that cricket, which was part of the 1900 Olympics, is set to return in 2028. This reinstatement reflects cricket’s huge global following and the IOC’s recognition of its popularity.
Obscure Sports that Once Appeared in the Olympic Games
Over the years, some unusual and now obscure sports have appeared in the Olympics. One such sport is croquet, which was part of the 1900 Paris Games. This leisurely lawn game did not capture much interest and was soon dropped.
Another curious inclusion was live pigeon shooting, also in the 1900 Paris Games. Competitors aimed to shoot as many birds as possible, which resulted in quite a mess and outcry, leading to its quick removal.
Club swinging, a display sport in the early 20th century, involved athletes performing gymnastic routines while swinging clubs. Despite its impressive displays of skill, it failed to gain a lasting foothold.
Jeu de paume, a precursor to modern tennis, was included in the 1908 London Olympics but faded away as lawn tennis became more popular.
These examples highlight how the Olympics have evolved and refined their sports selection to align with modern values and audience interests.
Why Some Sports Make the Cut and Others Don’t
The journey of sports like skateboarding and surfing to the Olympics illustrates the shifting landscape of the Games. These sports reflect modern youth culture and bring a fresh energy to the Olympics. On the other hand, traditional sports like baseball and softball face challenges due to venue and logistical issues. This balancing act between tradition and modernity is a key aspect of the IOC’s decision-making process.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
