NationStates Jolt Archive

Is it me or do the Americans and tne Australians keep pushing for more sports they are good at - beach volleyball for example, to win more medals?

And since when was figure skating or artistic gymnastics a sport? It's as sports as a beauty contest. Should we include one of those?

I still think they should bring back the Tug o' war. I'm adamant on this.

There's so many "sports" that don't desereve to be in the olympics that it's not even worth bringing up anymore. The olympics have become more of a big ad campaign based on nationalism than what they were supposed to be. It should just be about personal physical ability. And it should be in the nude. definately in the nude.

Trampoline? WTF? What kind of "sport" is that?

Trampoline? WTF? What kind of "sport" is that?
I think it is trampoline jumping. People jumping on it and doing some kind of artistic jumps. I quite liked watching it, actually.

I think it is trampoline jumping. People jumping on it and doing some kind of artistic jumps. I quite liked watching it, actually.

But is it a sport? it is one of those things that is subjective. Not like a race where you can see who the winner is, judges are relied on and we have seen how that works out.....

But is it a sport? it is one of those things that is subjective. Not like a race where you can see who the winner is, judges are relied on and we have seen how that works out.....

That's an interesting question. I work with someone who defines it this way:
If your opponent can directly affect your performance, then it is a sport; if not, then it is a game.

Examples: baseball is a sport, because the pitcher's skill directly affects the hitter's chance of success; football is a sport, because the defense tackles the runner, etc. Trampoline would be a game, because there is no opponent in a position to affect the performer. Bowling is a game, for the same reason. However, by this definition, track events would be considered a game.

But is it a sport? it is one of those things that is subjective. Not like a race where you can see who the winner is, judges are relied on and we have seen how that works out.....
That is the same with other things: Like those water jumping things.
They is a jury who gives points for it - there are also different degrees of difficulty.
Well and if there is a lot of water blowing up the jump was bad - but that is not the only criteria of course.
But than you could also argue with a lot of the disciplines not just at the olympics. What is with choreography on the ice for example?

Ya got me...synchronised swimming? Chess is going to be added one day...LOL

Ya got me...synchronised swimming? Chess is going to be added one day...LOL

Yeah, it's kind of funny. By that definition, track and field are games, but chess would be a sport.

I'm not saying I agree with his definition, but it's a debate we have at the coffee station about once a month. :)

Well, they are the Olympic "Games" so I guess thats where it comes from.

That's an interesting question. I work with someone who defines it this way:
If your opponent can directly affect your performance, then it is a sport; if not, then it is a game.

Examples: baseball is a sport, because the pitcher's skill directly affects the hitter's chance of success; football is a sport, because the defense tackles the runner, etc. Trampoline would be a game, because there is no opponent in a position to affect the performer. Bowling is a game, for the same reason. However, by this definition, track events would be considered a game.

No, track would be a sport, the field events might not be, but the running would be. You might not believe it but it is amazing how much running against someone can effect your running. The 4 minute mark was broken, the first time, because the guy was running with three other guys at the same level and they were able to push each other. Also, runners play psycological tricks on each other all the time when running.

IMHO:
they should bring back some of the original competitions:

like the Hopliticus ?sp?: Its a 400 meter sprint whilst wearing FULL ARMOR and EQUIPMENT. I think that would be pretty awesome: 50+ competitors running 400 meters carrying/wearing: helmet, breastplate, curiasses, buckler, shield, pike, and sword. ie: 60+ lbs. of equipment.
*now THAT is a competition to sort the MEN from the BOYS.

Of course, anytime they can eliminate drug-using cheaters is great!

I would welcome Olympic Chess. Why the hell not?

The more the merrier, aye.

Gymnastics is most def a sport. Try doing that without years of training and a badass physique.

I would welcome Olympic Chess. Why the hell not?

Because, it's really not physical. How much strength does it take to lift a chess piece?

I think a sport is a physical competition. If you have to be fit to do it, it's probably a sport.

I don't think that the Olympics is a showcase of Sports, but rather a showcase of Extreme Human Physical Ability. To be the best in the world at something that requires Physical Abilities, or Skill.

It might not require physical strength but it certainly requires skill. I know I'd rather watch a chess match than gymnastics.

Because, it's really not physical. How much strength does it take to lift a chess piece?

I think a sport is a physical competition. If you have to be fit to do it, it's probably a sport.

In that case, they should throw out the shooting events, and the equestrian events, since they can have fat old men competing in them.

No, track would be a sport, the field events might not be, but the running would be. You might not believe it but it is amazing how much running against someone can effect your running. The 4 minute mark was broken, the first time, because the guy was running with three other guys at the same level and they were able to push each other. Also, runners play psycological tricks on each other all the time when running.

Psychological effects don't count as opposition, in the definition I'm talking about. We have discussed this, and decided that only direct influence counts, not indirect.

In that case, they should throw out the shooting events, and the equestrian events, since they can have fat old men competing in them.

Exactly. And what about auto racing? Many people don't consider it a sport, but have you looked at a NASCAR driver or F1 driver lately? Those guys stay in pretty good shape.