RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,577 
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Post by RosieKat on Jul 20, 2024 20:50:24 GMT
What criteria would you use to choose if a sport should be in the Olympics?
For me, it has to have a certain level of global popularity, or at least be common in several countries. It should not also be utterly dominated by a single country. If it's an exhibition sport only, I don't care as much about these two items. But by these standards, we would never include something like American football, at least not in the near future. I can see arguments for and against the professional/amateur standards and don't have a strong opinion there.
It needs to have 3 basic components - competition, skill, and athleticism. Now I think it's safe to assume that everything that's been in the Olympics has a competition angle to it, so we'll skip that conversation. But the skill/athleticism is where the true test lies for me. Obviously on the polar ends of things, painting requires skill but no athleticism, whereas basic walking requires athleticism (to a degree) but not particularly skill. And it has to require a significant amount of both of these, in my opinion. Yes, my standards would probably require a couple of things to be excluded from the Olympics that are currently in there, but maybe I am just too ignorant. For example, I'm not sure I see the athleticism part of skeet shooting.
So what would YOUR criteria be for including a sport/activity in the Olympics?
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Post by katlady on Jul 20, 2024 22:03:36 GMT
I definitely think anything using your body in a "controlled" manor is a sport - swimming, gymnastics, running, wrestling, skiing, etc. I said "controlled" because I saw this competition on YouTube where people threw their bodies down a hill to be the first to catch a rolling ball of cheese. No control, just luck. LOL! I've never done skeet shooting, so I can't comment on whether there is athleticism involved. But, I have bowled, and I feel that is a sport. After bowling 9 games in one day, you will be sore in both the legs and arms. And bowling does take skill.
I don't think playing pool is a sport. To me, it is a game, not a sport. Same with the cheese rolling contest I mentioned above. I definitely don't think doing art or playing music is a sport.
As for pro vs amateur, I don't know what to think. Other countries sponsor their athletes, they pay for training and some times housing. Some countries even scout out youngsters who they feel have potential (China and Russia). Their amateur athletes get treated like our pro athletes. I feel bad that young college basketball players usually won't make the US Basketball team, all the spots go to the Pros. I don't know if hockey has changed, but I still remember the US team that beat the Russians in the Olympics, without any NHL players on the roster. I feel that is how the Olympic games should be, amateurs. But, everyone needs sponsors now to afford training.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 21, 2024 2:45:21 GMT
well some things have been olympic sports.. like power walking.. it took skill, being an athlete and competition. it was a hugely popular sport too.. but fell out of favor so was dropped.
I actually took a college course on the olympics .. taught by someone who had been part of the failed greek bid for summer olympics (before athens games). I think the demonstration sports are a good idea.. it needs to change all the time.
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,567
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Post by MerryMom on Jul 21, 2024 13:45:50 GMT
Cross country running was last an Olympic sport in 1924. I think it should be included again.
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Post by gar on Jul 21, 2024 14:07:13 GMT
I definitely think anything using your body in a "controlled" manor is a sport - swimming, gymnastics, running, wrestling, skiing, etc. I said "controlled" because I saw this competition on YouTube where people threw their bodies down a hill to be the first to catch a rolling ball of cheese. No control, just luck. LOL! . What are you saying about our very famous competition?! 🤣 |
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Post by katlady on Jul 21, 2024 15:14:30 GMT
I definitely think anything using your body in a "controlled" manor is a sport - swimming, gymnastics, running, wrestling, skiing, etc. I said "controlled" because I saw this competition on YouTube where people threw their bodies down a hill to be the first to catch a rolling ball of cheese. No control, just luck. LOL! . What are you saying about our very famous competition?! 🤣 🤣🤣 I wonder how many broken bones there are at the end?! 😂 One of the craziest things I’ve ever watched. |
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Post by gar on Jul 21, 2024 15:52:01 GMT
What are you saying about our very famous competition?! 🤣 🤣🤣 I wonder how many broken bones there are at the end?! 😂 One of the craziest things I’ve ever watched. Sometimes not as many as you'd imagine apparently. I wouldn't risk the concussion though! |
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pantsonfire
Drama Llama
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 6,296
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Post by pantsonfire on Jul 21, 2024 21:09:24 GMT
Could we make laundry a sport. Because we all do it and getting out tough stains and smells would be gold.
Cooking meals with various allergies and medical needs included?
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 22, 2024 0:40:20 GMT
Something equestrian because I was an avid rider all thru high school.
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Post by miominmio on Jul 22, 2024 18:36:35 GMT
Something equestrian because I was an avid rider all thru high school. Showjumping, dressage and eventing? |
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