The 2016 Rio Olympics is only a few weeks away, and the spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and the sense of pride for one's country is coming to a head. Rugby, golf, and kitesurfing (also known as kiteboarding) are all new additions to the Olympic program since the 2012 London games. In order to be an Olympic event, a sport must already have an international governing body, must be practiced around the world and must meet a list of other criteria. Only then will the International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote on it. Still, there are a few sports the IOC missed. Here is a look at five more events that the IOC should have considered for the Rio games.
1. Softball and Baseball
After being included in four summer Olympics (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008), baseball has not been included in any recent games. In preparation for the 2012 games, softball advocates had pushed to have the sport added to the Olympic roster. Unfortunately, in 2005 the decision was made to cut both softball and baseball from the list of events for the London games. Softball and baseball have not appeared on the 2016 and 2020 rosters, even though they were in the running to be reinstated. Both sports lost out to golf and rugby for Rio and lost to wrestling for Tokyo in 2020. Baseball and softball are practiced around the world and have an international appeal. Bring them back to the Olympics!
2. Skateboarding
On the long list of what sports that could and should be added to future Olympic Games, skateboarding would be the most obvious of them all. With the IOC adding BMX riding, it is looking to stay relevant and current for younger viewers. With the addition of skateboarding, the IOC just might be able to get the younger viewers. Surely the world’s top skateboarders would show up to compete for the gold?
3. Squash or racquetball
Even though racquetball and squash are not the same, they are both played with rackets on enclosed courts. However, the difference is that racquetball is played at a faster pace than squash and has a different ball and racquet. Squash is more frequently played around the world, but its fast-paced, action-packed, and requires no complicated arena setup it. Squash could easily replace the tedious game of table tennis.
4. Mix Martial Art
The sport of Mix Martial Art (MMA) has made its mark on mainstream popularity in countries all over the world. MMA is a full contact sport that allows fighters to utilize techniques from both striking and grappling. MMA also draws parallels drawn from Pankration, which was an ancient Greek event held at some of the first Olympic Games. With MMA accepted on the world stage and the tie-in to the ancient Olympic Games, it only makes sense for MMA to be added to the roster.
5. Vertical dance aka “Pole Dancing”
Why not, it's Rio? A provocative destination with an amazing beach culture! Besides that, pole dancing as a sport, has evolved over the last decade, becoming a popular workout and addition to gymnastic competitions. Now, pole dancing officials are trying everything they can to become recognized by the IOC. Just before the 2012 Olympic Games a petition, which included 6,455 electronic signatures, compared the fitness level and skill it takes to master pole dancing to that of figure skating and gymnastics.
