Why Is Wrestling Not in the Olympics?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling Why Is Wrestling Not in the Olympics? Wrestling, a sport that dates back to ancient times, has been a staple of the Olympic Games for many years. However, in a surprising turn of events, wrestling was dropped from the list of core sports for the 2020 Olympics. This decision left many fans and athletes wondering why such a popular and historic sport would be excluded from the world’s biggest sporting event. The Removal of Wrestling In 2013, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made the controversial decision to remove wrestling from the list of core Olympic sports. This decision shocked many as wrestling had been part of the Olympics since its modern inception in 1896. The news sparked outrage and protests from wrestling enthusiasts around the world. The IOC justified their decision by stating that they needed to refresh and modernize the Olympic program to attract a younger audience. The removal of wrestling was seen as an opportunity to make room for new sports that were more appealing to younger generations. Criteria for Olympic Sports To understand why wrestling was not included in the Olympics, it is important to understand the criteria set by the IOC for selecting sports. The IOC evaluates sports based on several factors: Popularity: Sports that have a large following and global appeal are more likely to be included in the Olympics. Participation: The number of countries that actively participate in a sport is also taken into consideration. Gender Equality: The IOC strives for gender equality in all aspects of the Games, including sports. Youth Appeal: Sports that can attract younger audiences and engage them are given preference. TV Ratings: The popularity of a sport on television and its ability to attract viewers is another important factor. The Rise of Other Sports While wrestling has a rich history and a dedicated fan base, it faced stiff competition from other sports vying for inclusion in the Olympics. Sports like skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing were seen as more appealing to younger audiences and were ultimately added to the Olympic program. This decision raised questions about the future of traditional sports in the Olympics. Some argued that the IOC was prioritizing commercial appeal over the deep-rooted history and tradition of certain sports. The Reinstatement of Wrestling Fortunately for wrestling enthusiasts, their voices were heard. In 2013, just months after being dropped from the core Olympic sports, wrestling was reinstated for the 2020 Olympics. This reinstatement came as a result of intense lobbying efforts by various national wrestling federations and passionate athletes who fought to save their beloved sport. Wrestling underwent several changes to meet the IOC’s criteria for inclusion. The sport introduced new weight classes, increased gender equality by adding more weight divisions for women, and made efforts to attract younger audiences through innovative marketing strategies. In Conclusion The removal of wrestling from the core Olympic sports list sparked controversy and debates about the future direction of the Games. While wrestling faced challenges in meeting modern criteria set by the IOC, its rich history and passionate fan base ultimately led to its reinstatement. Wrestling serves as a reminder that even traditional sports can adapt and evolve while retaining their fundamental essence.
