No darts in the Olympics? Class bias?

[atypical_boro]

The Olympics should be the pinnacle of a sport. Any sport where it isn't shouldn't be there. Get rid of football, golf, tennis etc, they don't need to be there.

I do agree with that, and most people seem to.

 

[Frozen Horse]

I do agree with that, and most people seem to.

I agree with that too. Unfortunately, I think football is politically important. Any Olympic bid requires a lot of investment in 1 city. Football is one of the few opportunities to share the games round the host country, which makes it a bit of an easier sell to those in the wilds.

I don't mind a football variant being in there: 5 a side has a huge world wide participation which would at least maintain some link to the world's most popular sport. But then you get in to the debate about whether top pros could/should participate.

 

[atypical_boro]

I agree with that too. Unfortunately, I think football is politically important. Any Olympic bid requires a lot of investment in 1 city. Football is one of the few opportunities to share the games round the host country, which makes it a bit of an easier sell to those in the wilds.

I don't mind a football variant being in there: 5 a side has a huge world wide participation which would at least maintain some link to the world's most popular sport. But then you get in to the debate about whether top pros could/should participate.

I'd be happy with Futsal or whatever. Let the top pros play in it if they want, might be interesting.

 

[Nano]

I agree with that too. Unfortunately, I think football is politically important. Any Olympic bid requires a lot of investment in 1 city. Football is one of the few opportunities to share the games round the host country, which makes it a bit of an easier sell to those in the wilds.

I don't mind a football variant being in there: 5 a side has a huge world wide participation which would at least maintain some link to the world's most popular sport. But then you get in to the debate about whether top pros could/should participate.

The current restrictions on U23s, which is a format that isn't used for any other tournament, already make it a farce. I think it would be better if it was a completely different format like 5 a side.

 

[Transitarmy]

 

[Zoophonic]

Are you suggesting ballroom should replace it? So the upper classes aren't discriminated against?

No am suggesting breakdancing is as street wise as you can get and is definitely not class bias. Its also not a sport.

 

[Rofesleg]

Darts is only really plated competitively in 4-5 countries.

In the early 20th century art and poetry were competitive at the Olympics. Ireland won a silver in Painting at the Paris Olympics (Yeat's The Liffey Swim - lovely painting in the national gallery in Dublin nowadays).

I think the Olympics should be looking to add competitive events that are truly international and preferably growing. Generally one's that would struggle to run an individual world championships.

Alright, alright.
Jeez, you don't half go on.

 

[Zoophonic]

Darts is only really plated competitively in 4-5 countries.

In the early 20th century art and poetry were competitive at the Olympics. Ireland won a silver in Painting at the Paris Olympics (Yeat's The Liffey Swim - lovely painting in the national gallery in Dublin nowadays).

I think the Olympics should be looking to add competitive events that are truly international and preferably growing. Generally one's that would struggle to run an individual world championships.

A lot more than 5 mate.

List of PDC World Cup of Darts teams - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Centralscrutinizer]

I'd be happy with Futsal or whatever. Let the top pros play in it if they want, might be interesting.

Should have morning 5-a-side with a hangover in the Olympics

 

[atypical_boro]

Should have morning 5-a-side with a hangover in the Olympics

They could award medals for the best team as well as the 'hardest player'/'most fighty'.

 

[Zoophonic]

For the 2028 Games they have at last introduced squash. And something called "flag football"

 

[weemoby]

Should have morning 5-a-side with a hangover in the Olympics

Only if it's played on a Sunday morning when the goalies are still under the influence of the disco biscuits they had the night before.

Oh, and the bloke with the bibs doesn't turn up. Skins it is then.........

 

[Frozen Horse]

I think it deserves a place above "sports" that are decided by judges - gymnastics, diving, ice dancing etc.

On that basis would you take boxing out?

 

[weemoby]

And something called "flag football"

Is that an American Football variant of touch rugby? (You 'tackle' someone by taking the flag/ piece of cloth hanging from their waist)

 

[Muttley]

Oh, and the bloke with the bibs doesn't turn up. Skins it is then.........

Every team must field at least one "portly" youth who is a mate of one of the players but either usually plays rugby or is a bit of a psycho.

 

[equaliser]

A lot more than 5 mate.

List of PDC World Cup of Darts teams - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Thank you, Zoophonic. No one has really come up with an argument here. If golf, football, tennis - which have major profile/exposure - are in, then there's absolutely no reason why darts and snooker shouldn't be in. As for breakdancing, I rest my case!

The point is that darts and snooker players show incredible feats of skill, which can legitimately be called 'athletic', certainly as much as rifle shooting can. In terms of pure physical accomplishment, would there be anyone in the Olympics with as much skill as Ronnie O'Sullivan? I doubt it. What he can achieve with arms, eyes and brain is unsurpassed.