Then there's water polo. And synchronized diving.
But for some reason, the Olympics keeps bringing people back year after year. And my lack of understanding about the Olympics, I found a list of 10 bizarre Olympic events.
10. Tug-of-War. Um, what? This started at the 1900 Summer Olympic Games, and was discontinued after the 1920 Olympics. As if that wasn't bizarre enough, the American team really isn't accounted for. They either never competed, or they were disqualified.
9. Hot Air Ballooning. Again, I question this. Initially, it was considered a demonstration sport, and at the time was the only aerial sport in the Olympics. Elevation, distance, and duration were all things that were judged.
8. Firefighting and Lifesaving. I'm just as a big of a fireman fan as the next person, but I would like to know how this really worked. And for the record, it was never an official event. Although you will see paramedics and professional lifesavers on the sidelines today for those just in case moments.
7. Pole Dancing. This one is currently being petitioned to become an official event. I don't think I've ever seen this on the roster before.
6. Solo Synchronized Swimming. I didn't know this was possible. But apparently it existed from 1984 until 1992. Considering the definition of "synchronized," I find this hard to believe.
5. Skeleton. I don't even know what this is. Apparently, you hurl yourself, bobsled style, face first down some alley. I won't be doing this anytime soon.
4. Ski Jumping. This one doesn't sound so bad. In fact, it sounds incredibly normal. Except it's very daredevilly. It started in 1924, and involves launching straight up and seeing what happens next, pretty much.
3. Curling. I'm pretty sure the Simpsons made this look easy in a recent episode. But honestly, curling is glorified floor sweeping. And I haven't seen it yet during this Olympics.
2. Biathlon. This has been part of the games since 1960. And the name makes it sound like is the younger sibling of the triathlon, with two events instead of three to test endurance. What you really do is go cross-country skiing with a rifle and shoot stuff while you ski. I think.
1. Pentathlon. Instead of working on two totally different activities, you are working on five. This started as a men's competition, and women were inducted in 2000. Initially, it involved a man on horseback who had to fence, run, swim and shoot. Now it involves fencing your opponents, swimming 200 meters, riding a strange horse through 12 jumps you've never done before, and then running and shooting. Seriously.
There you have it. 10 bizarre Olympic events. You can find this list (minus my awesome commentary) and full article here.
What Olympic events do you think are silly? Which ones are you favorites? What would you like to see in the future?
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