Wrestling Regionals (Photo credit: Oberazzi)
Earlier this week the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to remove Wrestling from the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The surprise move generated a furious uproar from fans across the world. When I first heard of their decision I thought it was some type of early April fool’s joke. For those who don’t know, wrestling is one of the 5 original sports from the 1st Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. In fact, the wrestlers were heralded the greatest in those times.
The IOC cited its decision on a “declining popularity” for the sport. In the U.S., wrestling has never ranked less than the 5th most-practiced sport at the high school level. The sport’s popularity is at all-time high. I then thought maybe they decided to eliminate the sport because the U.S. was too dominant; that they won too many medals. It’s not unprecedented (i.e. women’s softball; I miss you Jennie Finch). But, wrestling is popular in several other countries (especially in Eastern Europe and Asia).
English: Jennie Finch pitching against China in Manassas City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I think wrestling may not be as popular a sport to watch in the U.S. because of NBC’s decision to not air the events as they happen in live time. Wrestling was never packaged in the coveted primetime slot the network aired. It was aired in the wee hours of the morning.
I just find it ridiculous that wrestling will be removed while other sports less worthy will be kept. Sports such as rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, trampoline and table tennis. I’m sure I am missing many more. Now don’t get me wrong these are still sports. I just don’t think they are more important to the Olympic Games.
What do you think?
Should wrestling be removed from the Summer Olympic Games?
*Just wanted to let my loyal readers know that I haven’t been able to post very often this week because I have a cold. At times, my congestion is so bad I can’t even look at a computer screen let alone write anything. I type this with a box of Kleenex nearby. Hopefully my cold subsides soon. It’s been almost a week.
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