The Olympic Sports have been a showcase of human athleticism and creativity for centuries. While many events stood the test of time, others have faded away with no longer being a part of the event. These forgotten sports highlight the evolving nature of sports and global competition.
Despite their disappearance, they remain fascinating reminders of diversity and just how fast time changes. Whether they were seen as too niche, impractical, or unfit, they continue to be a topic of interest as they provide a reflection into the rich Olympic history. So let’s take a look at the top four forgotten games of Olympic sports.
Forgotten Olympic Sports
Tug of War
Tug of War was an Olympic sport from 1900 to 1920 that featured in five Summer Games. It was a part of the track and field program. It was played in teams of eight, aiming to pull their opponents six feet over a line. If no team succeeded within five minutes, the team pulling the greatest distance won. The game saw a disappearance in 1920 and never made a comeback, making it one of the forgotten Olympic sports.
Croquet
Croquet was an Olympic sport at the 1900 Paris Games and was one of the first sports to include women, with Madeline Brohy and Jacques Sautereau winning medals. The sport’s inclusion was largely due to its popularity in France at that time. However, it never came back again, though it remains a popular recreational activity globally.
Jeu de Paume
Jeu de Paume was an indoor version of tennis that was included in the Olympics in 1908, though it failed to make a comeback again, making it a forgotten Olympic sport. It was played in a court with a low ceiling and walls, and required players to hit the ball before it bounced twice. Even though the game was short-lived, it remains a precursor of modern tennis.
Pelote Basque
Pelote Basque is a fast-paced handball-like game that first appeared at the 1900 Paris Olympics. It was a part of demonstration sports and did not award official medals. The sport involved hitting a ball against a wall using the hand. It never appeared in any Olympics again, making it one of the forgotten Olympic sports.
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