The Olympic Games is the world's paramount sporting competition, with representation from nearly every nation. Inspired by ancient games held in Olympia, Greece from 776 BC to 393 AD, the first Modern Olympic competition occurred in 1896 and was held in Athens, Greece. Since then, the Olympics have been held every four years, except during the World Wars. Over the last two centuries, the Games have evolved quite a bit. Some changes include the addition of the Winter and Paralympic Games as well as the addition and removal of various sports held during the Games. Basketball, track, gymnastics, swimming and even table tennis are generally among the topic of the list when we think about Olympic sports. However, over the years there have been quite a few unusual sporting events that most of us would probably never think of associating with the Olympic Games. Here is a list of ten of the most unusual events that have been, or are currently, official Olympic sports.
1. Live Pigeon Shooting: 1900 Summer Olympics
It's not really a shocker that this only lasted as an official Olympic sport for one year.
2. Tug-of-War: 1900 - 1920 Summer Olympics
Who would have thought that people actually played this beyond their high school Spirit Week?
3. Trampoline: Summer Olympics since 2000
4. Rope Climbing: 1896 - 1932 Olympic Games
I remember these at the playground in elementary school. If you could make it to the top, you were a total beast.
5. Military Patrol: 1929 Winter Olympic Games
Skiing and mountaineering and rife shooting, oh my!
6. Race Walking: Official Olympic sport since 1908
Why didn't I know this was a thing and where do I sign up? You better remember my name because I'm going to be an Olympic gold medalist; 2020 Olympics here I come!
7. Modern Pentathlon: Official Olympic sport since 1912
How on earth could one person be so good a five very different things???
8. Dressage: Official Olympic sport since 1912
Seems a lot like a choreographed dance with a horse as a partner to me.
9. Canoe Slalom: Official Olympic sport since 1972
I would probably miss every single gate.
10. Skeleton: Present in the 1928, 1948, 2002 - Present Winter Olympics
The name alone would be enough to keep some people from trying it. This is definitely a sport only suitable for the ultimate daredevil.
