Just as a counter-point to the unceremonious dumping of softball (baseball being dropped is pretty obviously a good idea). It was decided on an ESPN radio show to list off other Olympic sports to cut. So here's my list:
1) Trampoline. Wow. This is an Olympic sport? We used to goof off in the backyard, had I known I could become a famous "athlete" this easily...
2) Rhythmic gymnastics. Gymnastics in its normal sense is fine, it's athletic competition which has complicated rules that no one understands (perfect for Olympic events). This is dancing with medals and ribbons. I've heard it favorably compared to having attention starved young women dance here instead of on a pole. That also doesn't seem like a good idea for an Olympic medal.
3) Sailing. There are already yachting races for more prestige and money..and there are plenty of snotty rich white person events already (horses, fencing, gymnastics, rowing, ice skating, etc). More interesting use of that money might be something like jet skis used X-games style to do tricks and place humans in mortal peril. But that's just my opinion.
People emailing in were complaining about synchronized swimming/diving..which is a bit strange, but at least its a team sort of event which is difficult and requires several skills of athletic ability and coordination. I'm not sure it belongs either. But simply because we get our butts kicked in diving and non competitive swimming events doesn't make it a non-sport.. so I'm not sure how to rule on those two.
Similarly people were complaining about shooting events (and confused as to how Americans weren't winning them..probably because the targets weren't people shaped and moving). On that at least, I can see merit to having an individual/team medals. It's just not that compelling to watch people shoot at targets, but at least it's worth rewarding skill in. Rather than having such people to practice with real human targets.
15 August 2008
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