“Rugby made a post disappeared until the twenty-first century, when it came back not as the classical version but as the telegenic new version of rugby-7’s,” sayd Dyerson. “Here, money and television’s brilliant images shaped the IOC, which more than anything else craves the world’s largest TV audience. “They put those five rings in front of them that represent the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania (Australia), so they look for sports that represent all of those five rings as best as they can,” said Barney.
#2 Cricket
- As the tides of sport ebb and flow, we see new disciplines enter the Olympic arena.
- However, like cricket and squash, lacrosse is set to take part in the 2028 LA Olympics in the lacrosse sixes format.
- It is played in a four-walled court and is popular on both a professional and amateur level for its fitness benefits.
- As we reflect on these additional events, it’s fascinating to think about how each sport contributed to the rich tapestry of Olympic history.
- Netball, a popular team sport similar to basketball, emerged in England in the late 19th century.
- Polo’s Olympic journey, spanning from 1900 to 1936, mirrored the global fascination with equestrian sports.
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The Summer Games have a rich history featuring a variety of sports, each adding its own element to the global competition. However, some sports have been included and then discontinued, showcasing the dynamic nature of the Olympics. The popularity of Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is largely down to the large private organisations, like the UFC, who run and manage competitions within the sport. American football (1904) and Korfball (1920) first appeared as unofficial sports before becoming demonstration sports.
Bowling has applied for consideration for decades now but remains unable to achieve Olympic status as yet. As we reflect on these additional events, it’s fascinating to think about how each sport contributed to the rich tapestry of Olympic history. Imagine watching nations compete fiercely, much like we see in basketball or rugby. We can envision netball becoming a highlight of the Games, just as other sports have successfully transitioned. The rise of television and media coverage favored fast-paced, easily digestible sports, leaving polo in the shadows. Ultimately, the combination of economic factors, shifting public interests, and competition from more accessible sports led to the decline of polo’s Olympic presence.
Darts
Lacrosse, a fast and dynamic team sport using a small rubber ball and long-handled stick, has origins in Native American tribes, dating back to the 12th century. Today, American football is hugely popular in the US, with the National Football League (NFL) being its leading professional competition. Equally, a minimum number of countries and continents are required, where the sport is practiced professionally, by both men and women. A sport has to be regulated by an International Association, in order for it to be featured at the Olympics. This association will dictate the norms and regulations that all parties must meet worldwide.
Until then, fans of these sports can continue to enjoy their thrilling competitions outside the Olympic spotlight. The 1984 Olympic Games were also when the first two women-only sports were included on the Olympic programme—rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized (now artistic) swimming. There were only five women’s athletics events available for women, compared to the 22 available for men. There was only one women’s artistic gymnastics team event, while men had a team event as well as six individual events. Any frequenter of Sunday picnics might be shocked to learn that this beloved contest was once included in the illustrious Games of the Olympiad. Introduced at the Olympic games in Paris in 1900, Great Britain collected a record 5 medals in the event (including one by the 1908 City of London Police squad) before it was retired in 1924.
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The sport has records dating back to the fourteenth century and was later allowed in pubs, after which its popularity skyrocketed. As of 2024, there are various international dart tournaments, such as the World Darts Championship, World Grand Prix, and Premier League, primarily managed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). USA Today claims that the popularity of softball at the Olympic Games fluctuates since host cities are now permitted to include sports in their schedules according to regulations set out by the IOC. According to the NBC, the IOC must support the host city’s decision if they decide to add a sport, but there isn’t enough interest in a particular event, like softball. Cricket is a massively popular sport, especially in countries like India, Australia, and England.
While sports like baseball have made comebacks, kiteboarding hasn’t quite found the same traction. In the past, numerous sports have faced similar challenges, with some even making appearances as demonstration sports. As we delve into this moment of early Olympic inclusion, we can’t help but appreciate how bowling shared the stage with other sports like baseball and cricket during its time. We’ve seen darts grow into a highly competitive arena, showcasing incredible athletes who dedicate their lives to mastering the game.