Buzz
As softball and baseball bid farewell in this year’s Olympics, it’s fitting to revisit some of the peculiar events that once featured in past Olympic Games. Many of these events are so unusual that it’s hard to imagine how they ever became part of the Olympics.
10. Swimming Obstacle Race
This unique and entertaining race spanned 200 meters. Participants began by swimming to a pole, climbing up and down it, swimming further, scaling two boats, diving under two more boats, and finally swimming to the finish line. This event took place only once, during the 1900 Olympics, with Frederick Lane of Australia claiming victory.
9. Distance Plunging
An amusing event that likely drew equally quirky participants. This competition occurred only once, in 1904. Contestants dove into the pool and stayed motionless for 60 seconds or until their heads surfaced, after which the distance they traveled was measured. The victor was American William Dickey, who undoubtedly took great pride in his achievement. Notably, all participants were Americans. Unfortunately, no photos of this event exist, so an image of women diving into a pool has been used instead.
8. Jeu de Paume
Known as 'game of palm' to those unfamiliar with French, this sport served as a forerunner to modern tennis. Players used their hands or small paddles instead of rackets. Although rarely played today, it debuted as an exhibition sport in 1900, became an official Olympic event in 1908, and returned as an exhibition in 1924.
7. Roque
A uniquely American adaptation of the French game croquet, this sport was featured in the 1904 St. Louis Olympics. Predictably, since it was scarcely known outside the US, all participants were American. The sport was discontinued after these Games, with many believing its inclusion was solely to increase the USA's medal tally.
6. Tug of War
Tug of war has a genuine chance of returning to the modern Olympic lineup, given its roots in the Ancient Olympics. It featured in the Games of 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, and 1920, with the British securing the most medals. Notably, the London police force clinched the gold in 1908.
5. Standing Triple Jump
It might seem unusual to restrict one of the most dynamic field events to a stationary start, but in the early Olympics, all jumping events—long, triple, and high—were also performed from a standing position. This event was part of the Games from 1900 to 1912.
4. Rope Climb
Another event with potential for a comeback, the rope climb was included in the gymnastics program and appeared intermittently between 1896 and 1932. The 1904 Games saw a remarkable victory by American George Eyser, who competed with a wooden leg. Eyser went on to secure five additional gymnastics medals, including two more golds.
3. Live Pigeon Shooting
This event, held during the 1900 Games, marked the only instance in modern Olympics history where animals were killed for sport. Over 300 pigeons were shot, with Belgian Leon de Lunden claiming gold by killing 21. Unsurprisingly, the event was discontinued after 1900 and later replaced by clay pigeon shooting.
2. Solo Synchronized Swimming
Synchronized swimming already carries a somewhat dubious reputation at the Olympics, and the decision to introduce solo synchronized swimming is even more perplexing. This event, featured in 1984, 1988, and 1992, involved a single swimmer attempting to synchronize with music. It was as peculiar as it sounds.
1. Dueling Pistols
A sport for the brave and honorable elite, right? Not quite, when your target is a mannequin, as was the case during the 1906 ‘intercalated’ Games. Participants alternated shooting at a well-dressed dummy from distances of 20 and 30 meters. The event briefly reappeared in 1912 before being permanently removed (thankfully).
