Butters 0 #1 August 11, 2008 What Olympic Sports shouldn't be Olympic Sports?"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #2 August 11, 2008 I picked these for different reasons: Badminton - seriously? It's boring. I've never seen it played competitively in high school or college. Canoe/Kayak - Too many variables when it comes to navigating white-water. You might do well in one run, then get fucked the next on the same course through no fault of your own. Equestrian - pinning your medal hopes on a glue factory candidate? Nah. Handball - Come on, I don't see this played in school at any competitive level. Sure there are clubs in fitness gyms but that's it. If racquetball isn't going to be an Olympic sport, then Handball shouldn't be either. Rhythmic Gymnastics - It's basically just artistic, like ice skating. The Olympic creed is Higher, Faster and Stronger in Latin, or something similar, and I do think the Olympics should focus on sports that espouse those virtues. Sailing - A bit like Canoeing and Kayaking, a lot of variables to deal with wind and water currents. Fuck that. Table Tennis - see my reasons for badminton. It's a great pastime in the basement or garage, and I played it a lot growing up with my dad and brother, but Olympic sport? Come on... Trampoline - I don't see any competitions for it in school. It's just stupid. But boy, do I have a scar on my lower lip to tell you about. Baseball - it's nice as an olympic sport since we do not really have a true "World Series", but then again, we do not send our best baseball players to the Olympics. If we could send our best NBA basketball players, we should be able to send our best MLB players. Or return the Olympics to include amatuer players only. When the hell did pro players start being allowed to compete? Soccer should not be in the Olympics since we already have a World Cup every 4 years. That's about all I can think of for now. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #3 August 11, 2008 I have a real distaste for the subjectively judged events; Rhythmic Gymnastics, Synchronized Swimming, stuff like that. To my way of thinking, a thing is a sport when it's NOT left up to the judges, but rather the judges simply determine whether or not a particular goal has been met or rule violated. When something is left up to a panel of judges, then it's art being critiqued and that's not to say something is "better" just whether it does or does not fall within the parameters of taste of those particular judges.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #4 August 11, 2008 I picked Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon (because it has an equestrian aspect). We should be limited to human endeavors. I also look at synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics as kinda okay, but not enough for the Olympics. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #5 August 11, 2008 WTF are Baseball, football and tennis doing there (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #6 August 11, 2008 QuoteI picked Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon (because it has an equestrian aspect). We should be limited to human endeavors. Interesting idea of what a human endeavor is. Controlling a horse is at least as difficult as controlling any other 2,000 pound mass; more so in that the object has a mind of its own you're also trying to control. It's not like the horse is doing all the work all by itself!quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nomad 0 #7 August 11, 2008 agreed, I've ridden competitively since I was 5 and all the other sports/activities I've trained in (Brazilian jujitsu, skydiving, rock climbing, track and field, pistol and rifle shooting...) nothing compares to the amount of effort, physical fitness, and skill involved in 3 day eventing, show jumping, or dressage(the 3 types of Olympic riding). My first taste of flight was jumping my horses... still nothing like soaring above the ground over a 4 ft by 4 ft wide solid wooden log at 25 miles an hour.All that is gold does not glitter, Not all who wander are lost. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nomad 0 #8 August 11, 2008 Oh you forgot the separate box for "race walking". i would have checked that one just for the name. I'm sure it takes skill and strength, but come on Guy -" hey i have a gold metal" girl " oh wow whats it for?" guy-"walking" girl- "ohh heh hehe oww your so funny.. whats it really for" guy "well.. race walking.... but really..walking"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all who wander are lost. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
misaltas 0 #9 August 12, 2008 QuoteHandball...Come on...clubs in fitness gyms...If racquetball isn't going to be an Olympic sport, then Handball shouldn't be either. Different handball. QuoteBaseball As bat-ball-field sports go, Cricket is a lot more international than baseball or softball. Glad baseball is going away, and wondering when cricket will show up.Ohne Liebe sind wir nichts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #10 August 12, 2008 Quote Quote , and wondering when cricket will show up. NEVER I hope, my GOD how boring would that beYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyhi 24 #11 August 12, 2008 Quote I have a real distaste for the subjectively judged events; Rhythmic Gymnastics, Synchronized Swimming, stuff like that. Concur, but I would paint with a broader brush. All gymnastics, diving, figure skating, and surprisingly boxing where there is no KO/TKO. (Not subjective? Ask Roy Jones or Michael Carbajal.) If the judges are not unanimous or a layperson cannot confirm the winner, that introduces the opportunity for chicanery, skullduggery, or fraud. Also dressage. It may be too boring, but I don't know. I have never been able to stay awake through an entire competition.Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluepill 0 #12 August 12, 2008 Quote I have a real distaste for the subjectively judged events; Rhythmic Gymnastics, Synchronized Swimming, stuff like that. To my way of thinking, a thing is a sport when it's NOT left up to the judges, but rather the judges simply determine whether or not a particular goal has been met or rule violated. When something is left up to a panel of judges, then it's art being critiqued and that's not to say something is "better" just whether it does or does not fall within the parameters of taste of those particular judges. I disagree. Does that mean you would drop boxing as well? Or Dressage? I appreciate that competitions that are “judged” are open to abuse, the most notable I can remember was Roy Jones being beaten in the 1988 Olympics. But some sports simply can not be determined in any other way. (E.g. Synchronised diving, Floor work in Gymnastics etc). But that does not mean they are not sports. I did not pick any of the sports to be excluded. I think they should have a lot more sports. These Olympians go through tremendous sacrifice, endless training and dedication in pursuit of becoming elite in their chosen sport. I am not sure what it is like around the world but in the UK, the Olympics IS a big thing. Olympians become role models for many of our younger generation and not just the British Olympians. We have scholarships and academies set up for all sorts of different Olympic sports for those who wish to pursue an Olympic sport. If there were even more Olympic sports then we would have even more support mechanisms in place. And given the increasing alternatives of gang culture and street crime (in the UK) that would not be a bad thing. Heck put tiddlywinks in there. BP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingbunky 3 #13 August 12, 2008 we were discussing this at work yesterday. what we came up with is if it ain't running, jumping, swimming or throwing stuff, it doesn't belong. any and all artistic events should be gone, leaves too much room for politics to play into the results. if you can't measure it, get rid of it. sure, that might make the games boring, and people would quit watching, and sponsors would quit paying for advertising, countries would stop supporting athletes, and *gasp* maybe it would go back to just a bunch of amateur athletes doing it for national glory and love of the game. that would be refreshing."Hang on a sec, the young'uns are throwin' beer cans at a golf cart." MB4252 TDS699 killing threads since 2001 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #14 August 12, 2008 QuoteInteresting idea of what a human endeavor is. I would want to see the Olympics return to that of individuals trying to achieve the Olympic goal of faster higher..etc. I dont think the team sports of SOFT-BASE-BASKET-SOCCER-ETC-Ball belong there and should go away and have their own World Cup. AS much as I love sailing I think there are better venues. Tennis... far better venues. I also think the shooting... and other "gentlemanly" sports could go as well. IT seems many of the sports were added because that is how "gentlemen" competed in the late 19th century...riding horses and shooting at one another. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #15 August 12, 2008 Quote WTF are Baseball, football and tennis doing there Add basketball to that list, and any other sport that uses more professional athletes than amateurs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydivegirl 0 #16 August 12, 2008 QuoteI picked Equestrian and Modern Pentathlon (because it has an equestrian aspect). We should be limited to human endeavors. Ohhhhh... you sound like an Eventing whuffo!!!! Believe me, that is ALL rider talent you're seeing. Assuming that eventing doesn't take skill is like someone saying skydiving takes no skill because all you do is fall out of the sky. Don't assume there's no skill involved all because you haven't tried it and can't relate. Those riders are SIMPLY AMAZING!Pink Mafia Sis #26 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #17 August 12, 2008 I have to agree. the votes for equestrian not belonging have obviously never ridden a horse on anything but a western saddle, if at all. Trust me, that shit takes WORK, it is HARD, and there's no doubt that it is all in the rider. I picked the subjective things, including gymnastics. Yes, it's amazing to watch, but without an objective score...doesn't belong. badminton and table tennis have scores, and very obvious ones at that. Not to mention they are extremely popular in many other countries. As boring as they are to watch, "spectator sport" has never been a criteria for the olympics. x-games, maybe, but not the olympics.Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #18 August 12, 2008 I can't imagine the Olympics without gymnastics, diving, figure skating and other sports that combine grace and artistry with power, strength and athleticism. Only a portion of the score is subjective- the rest of the score is based on difficulty and execution. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mamajumps 0 #19 August 12, 2008 I agree 200% with you about the equestrian sports. Not only do you have to train your horse to be in top form but you must also be too. I too started riding at age 5 and have always competed... tough stuff... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #20 August 12, 2008 Remember: just because we don't play a sport in the States (or wherever it is you may be right now) doesn't mean it isn't some serious shit somewhere else. I didn't vote for any. I'm an Olympic romantic: it's all about people from all over the world getting together to compete. If they want to hand out medals for beerpong, that's fine with me. Hey: beerpong, that might be my ticket to Olympic gold! Elvisio "it's all good" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butters 0 #21 August 12, 2008 QuoteRemember: just because we don't play a sport in the States (or wherever it is you may be right now) doesn't mean it isn't some serious shit somewhere else. Where is Trampolining serious s**t?"That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grimmie 186 #22 August 12, 2008 Maybe we can hold the next "Breeder's Cup" event, Kentucky Derby, Melbourne Cup and Arch De Triumphe at the Olympics... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiver30960 0 #23 August 12, 2008 Quote Where is Trampolining serious s**t? (So I go online, look up a few videos on "Olympic Trampoline", ponder what I have seen, and return to reply to your post.) Ok, ahem. I will admit that your point does stress MY point to its limits. In particular, MEN'S trampoline (along with mens field hockey) does make me shake my head a little. But, these women (and men, sigh) do really get into it. So, I say, let 'em play. PLUS, dude! Check out the legs on some of those ladies! Talk about the promise of power! Elvisio "I'm glad you're having fun, but I can't breathe" Rodriguez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nomad 0 #24 August 14, 2008 no clue there were so many skydiving equestrians! i rode a show jumper yesterday after a while off and my muscles hate me. if any of you horse supporters live near phoenix PM me, i'm horseless here and not handling it well.All that is gold does not glitter, Not all who wander are lost. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #25 August 14, 2008 Quote i rode a show jumper yesterday after a while off and my muscles hate me. Amazing how quick you lose that 'saddle-toughness', isn't it? Got a bit of a 'rolling gait' today? Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
