Wrestling Out of the Olympics

[HometownHoya]

Really too bad. How can they replace one of the original sports. Some of the replacements are ridiculous: Sport Climbing, Wakeboarding? Get in the XGames first. Hope they don't go with Baseball (although seems likely). What even is Wushu?

espn.go.com/olympics/wrestling/story/_/id/8939185/ioc-drops-wrestling-2020-olympics

[skyhoya]

what will the IOWA Hawkeyes do now? Without wrestling, they have no national programs.

[hoyarooter]

College wrestling will remain alive and well despite this idiotic decision.

[SirSaxa]

So they're going to keep boxing, and dump wrestling?

[tashoya]

The Olympics have rarely (in recent times) been accused of good decision making. That said, to which "original" Olympics are you referring? The "original" modern Olympics honored the actual original Olympics very little. That said, while wrestling wasn't part of the real original Olympics, it was included not long after. I'm all for keeping the traditional sports but that's not what people want to watch and, I guess, it really is that simple. That's really sad to say the least. This country is rarely tuned into swimming or soccer either but the Olympics help to expand our horizons. It certainly doesn't help that they put wrestling on the alternate channel at some ridiculous time conflicting with more popular events. As with many things now, it's a popularity contest not an appreciation of an actual contest. Before you know it, MMA will be in the Olympics instead.

[jgalt]

I dont like getting rid of wrestling. To me its an important discipline because its just two people in a feat of strength. I think its important to include these more basic sports in the olympics, such as running or swimming because they truly demonstrate the potential of the human body.

And thats one reason I live rock climbing. I really hope it gets added for 2020. Competition sport climbing is really awesome. What these guys (and girls) can do is amazing. Its also a rather quick event that is easy to understand, perfect for TV.

Not sure if they will only add Sport or if they are going to have bouldering and speed also. Speed climbing is crazy. Its the same standard course all over the world so the competitors know the route with their eyes closed. They fly up the wall in a just a few seconds. And bouldering, my favorite, is all about technical ability and explosive strength.

[strummer8526]

Feb 12, 2013 23:34:05 GMT -5 tashoya said:

The Olympics have rarely (in recent times) been accused of good decision making. That said, to which "original" Olympics are you referring? The "original" modern Olympics honored the actual original Olympics very little. That said, while wrestling wasn't part of the real original Olympics, it was included not long after. I'm all for keeping the traditional sports but that's not what people want to watch and, I guess, it really is that simple. That's really sad to say the least. This country is rarely tuned into swimming or soccer either but the Olympics help to expand our horizons. It certainly doesn't help that they put wrestling on the alternate channel at some ridiculous time conflicting with more popular events. As with many things now, it's a popularity contest not an appreciation of an actual contest. Before you know it, MMA will be in the Olympics instead.

That's exactly it. I think that the Olympics is one time when people will watch whatever event is most accessible. Even the random sports, like curling, have a chance to take off if they get enough exposure.

[EasyEd]

What about shuffleboard?

[Boz]

Wrestling has better TV numbers and ticket sales, and far more participating nations.

Unfortunately for that sport, modern pentahalon has a "Samaranch."

What a shocker!

Also, are the Olympics going begging these days? Maybe that's the case, I didn't realize we had reached one-in, one-out levels of destitution.

[rosslynhoya]

Juan Antonio Samaranch and friends appear to have obtained an acceptable quantity of hookers and blow from international wrestling's governing body.

deadspin.com/wrestling-is-closer-to-getting-back-in-the-olympics-ba-510317220

Wakeboarding and wushu, alas, did not make the shortlist.