Weird Events At The Olympics – Pistol Duels, Pigeon Shooting, And More
The Olympics have had some really odd events like Plunge For Distance and some distasteful ones, like live pigeon shooting. Here are some highlights…
The Olympic Games regularly update their roster of events, often influenced by public interest and, occasionally, common sense. While ancient Olympics had their share of oddities, the below came from the ‘modern’ era. Many ancient Olympic events still exist, but traditions such as competing in the nude did not carry over – a decision the International Olympic Committee likely doesn’t regret. (Although it would probably boost viewership.)
The modern Olympics began in 1896, and events have evolved based on popularity and governing bodies. This has resulted in some intriguing, if not downright peculiar, events. Some have been understandably retired, others persist despite their oddity, and a few definitely deserve a comeback.
Sports that were retired from the Olympics for good reason
Live Pigeon Shooting
This event appeared just once – at the 1900 Paris Games. The goal was simple: shoot as many live pigeons as possible within the time limit. A Belgian named Leon de Lunden claimed gold by taking down 21 pigeons. An estimated 300 birds were killed, marking the only Olympic event to involve the intentional killing of animals. Unsurprisingly, and thankfully, it was never repeated.
The Plunge for Distance
This 1904 event in the St. Louis Olympics might have been concocted on a whim, possibly in a pub. This was quite different from the dynamic acrobatic twirls and spins of modern diving. In the Plunge for Distance event, participants dove into the water and remained motionless for a minute. The winner was the one who got the farthest. As you can imagine, it wasn’t the most thrilling sport to watch.
As if to increase the boredom, this slow-motion aquatic contest featured only five participants, all of whom were American, ensuring a predictable outcome. It was never seen again.
Rope Climbing
Another event that felt like a random idea was rope climbing. Running from 1896 to 1932, this sport tasked competitors with – you can probably guess – scaling a 46-foot rope. It was initially judged on both speed and style, but that was deemed a bit daft, so it was later simplified to a race to the top. Nikolaos Andriakopoulos of Greece won the inaugural event, but the spectacle of someone climbing up and down a rope eventually lost appeal.
Motorboat and Car Racing
The Olympics briefly indulged the motor craze of the early 1900s. A motorcar race took place in 1900, followed by three motorboat events in 1908. These mechanical pursuits were quickly deemed too far removed from athletics and were subsequently dropped. Which makes sense.
Jeu de Paume
Last appearing in 1908, this precursor to tennis involved players hitting a ball with their hands across a velvet rope. The name literally translates as ‘Game of the Palm’. The event’s decline was largely due to the need for a large specialised indoor court and the fact that tennis was a lot more fun to watch.
Croquet
Featured only once in 1900, croquet proved a lot more engaging to play than to watch. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has watched a croquet match. (Or played one.) Reports indicate just one spectator attended the event, and they had come specially for it.
Notably, however, it was among the first sports to include women, with three ladies competing alongside seven men. This wasn’t the international egalitarian competition it sounds like, though, as all participants were French, and all medals went to the men. It did not return.
Club Swinging
This event, which appeared in 1904 and 1932, involved gymnasts swinging clubs resembling bowling pins while performing routines. Despite its quirky charm, it was eventually replaced by rhythmic gymnastics with hoops and ribbons.
A notable story from 1932 gold medalist George Roth highlights the Great Depression’s hardships. He won the event in front of a sizeable crowd but was so poor, unemployed and hungry that he was forced to hitchhike to collect his medal. He then had to do the same to get back home.
Sports That Deserve a Revival
Pistol Duelling
Appearing in the 1906 and 1912 games, this event wasn’t as shocking as it sounds. It involved participants shooting at frock-coated dummies with chest targets rather than each other.
While the term ‘duel’ was misleading, a modern version using paintball could make for thrilling competition. Pistols remain part of the Modern Pentathlon, but two people shooting at each other, even non-lethally, would surely be an exciting spectacle. Frankly, I am surprised this isn’t a full sport already.
Tug of War
A track and field event from 1900 to 1920, the Tug of War featured teams of eight burly types on each side pulling a rope until they dragged the centre six feet or held the lead after five minutes. This event also featured in the original games around 500 BCE. A modern twist could involve competing across a river for added drama. Or just do the Squid Game thing.
Swimming Obstacle Race
Only held once in 1900, this race added excitement to swimming with a 200-meter course featuring three obstacles: climbing over a pole, clambering over boats, and swimming under boats. Revamping this event with more creative challenges could bring it back into the spotlight. Must try harder…
La Canne
This 1924 demonstration sport is linked to the martial art Savate. Competitors wield canes in a combat style akin to fencing but more intense and violent. With martial arts already represented in the Olympics, La Canne could be a unique and fun addition.
Current oddities that might face the axe
I don’t want to be controversial, but some events could be retired. I am not going to talk about breakdancing.
Race Walking
This event has existed for about 100 years, so someone must enjoy it. Race walking challenges athletes to move as fast as possible without breaking contact with the ground. While undeniably demanding and physically impressive, its peculiar appearance often provokes confusion and amusement from first-time viewers. Most people who watch it inevitably ask: Just… why?
The Modern Pentathlon
Introduced in 1912, this ‘modern’ five-event competition combines long-distance running, equestrian show jumping, fencing, swimming, and pistol shooting. If you know that these events were designed to mimic the skills required of a historical cavalry officer, it makes sense. But for everyone else, the events now seem arbitrarily linked. The inclusion of animals also raises questions about its future.
Equestrian Dressage
Essentially horse dancing, this event showcases incredible skill but faces criticism for alleged animal mistreatment. It is arguably the most controversial event at the moment. Protests and accusations of abuse have dogged it for years, suggesting its days in the Olympics might be numbered. Like Race Walking, it also looks a bit daft.
The Fascinating Evolution of the Olympics
The Olympics showcase human achievement and creativity in all its weird and wonderful variety. It’s always intriguing to see which sports endure, which are cut, and which might someday return.
Personally, as you may have guessed, I vote for duelling. How about you?
