New Zealand rugby sevens players.
The International Olympic Committee has recommended that golf and rugby sevens be included as sports in the 2016 Games. Softball, baseball, squash, karate and roller sports were not recommended, while women’s boxing will be a sport in 2012.
Golf and rugby will be put forward for ratification by the full 106-member IOC assembly in Copenhagen in October. Final approval will require a simple majority. The sports will be put to individual votes, not as a tandem.
“In the end, the decision came down to which two would add the most value,” IOC president Jacques Rogge said. “Golf and rugby will be a great addition to the games. … They have global appeal, a geographically diverse lineup of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play.”
The IOC sees the allure of Tiger Woods playing in the Olympics as a big selling point. In both men’s and women’s golf, there would be a 72-hole tournament featuring 60 players, with the top 15 players getting automatic bids. Golf was played in the 1900 and 1904 Games.
The appeal of rugby sevens over 15-man rugby is more scoring and a faster-paced game, Rogge said.
Softball and baseball were trying to get back in the Olympics after being voted out for 2012. Baseball in the Olympics was never a big deal and with the Games during the Major League season, the stars of the sport stayed away. Softball suffered from not having enough countries field competitive teams.
ESPN had a segment listing the worst Olympic sports and equestrian and sailing came in the top two. For me, the worst has to be rhythmic gymnastics.
If the New Zealand rugby sevens team is any indication, the eye candy level during this event will be quite high:
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 4:34 AM
Yesterday was a big step towards the end goal for all of us who want to see Rugby sevens in the Olympic games. There are still lots to do think and the best place to start is by signing the petition at UR7s.com
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 6:56 AM
I’m all for rugby…but golf? Meh. I guess it’s just that there is already so much golf on TV. I’m not saying I don’t think it should be added…I just don’t think I care. Maybe match play would be better than the traditional 72 hole tournament.
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 7:33 AM
regarding golf, do we really need to see more ‘pro’ athletes compete in an amateur competition? It’s bad enough we have those ridiculous ‘dream’ teams in basketball.
I don’t see the point in keeping some sport amateur and then allowing pro’s into others.
Of course, if I can sit back and enjoy a bunch of ruggers battle it out on the pitch I probably won’t care.
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I agree. Rugby, yes…golf, no. Golf is one of those select sports that already has its big international moments well-established elsewhere. In my opinion, being crammed into the Olympics will detract, not attract, for golf.
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 11:44 AM
FANTASTIC – Rugby 7’s is awesome to watch (still prefer the real 15 a side game though but the Rugby World Cup will do it still for the traditional game). Hope they get the final tick. I watched the 7’s in Dubai – was terrific and so much crowd fun.
on Aug 14th, 2009 at 1:44 PM
lets look at choice 14 men in tight tops and shorts racing around a pitch hmmmm or never mine or rugby its got to be