Should "judged" sports be in the olympics?

Question

I think that if a person has to judge a contest, it is not a sport. it should not be open for interpretation, it's about who did something faster, or scored more points. gymnastics, figure skating, and other judged "sports" are athletic, but they are more like artistic exhibitions, not true sports. And also, what's up with equestrian?

Answer 1

Completely agree with your assessment, and have said so in other posts.

The only officials in place at a real sport should only be used to enforce competition rules and resolve disputes.

Gymnastics, figure skating, and diving are examples of "physical art". They're not sporting competitions.

That said, I don't really have a problem with them being in the Olympics. I just don't consider them "sports", and I never will.

Answer 2

The Olympics is a major business and there is money to be made at such events and that's why the Olympic committee puts them in.

Answer 3

I felt the same way too, subjective scoring has no place in the Olympics.  I love watching gymnastics and figure skating, but it's just the source of so much controversy.

Answer 4

Of course not, but gymnastics is very popular in the olympics so it wont leave any time soon.

Answer 5

Look your definition  of sports is too mafia like. I take it your a meat and potato sports fan and that's is OK, but you got to realize figure skating and gymnastics are 2 of more popular Olympic sports. They have long histories going with gymnastics being a part of every Olympics since 1896.

You're too hung up on the word judging as they are just another type of referee in which required athletic elements are required to be performed in a flawless manner hence if you go out of bounds in the floor exercises or fall you lose points. Yes they do have an artistic element hence the word Artistic Gymnastics. I should also tell you the men do demonstrate strength how well would you do on the rings.

Lastly Equestrian is a tribute to the Ancient Olympic sport of equine events that go back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Originally Equestrian events where mostly only open to military   officers as was the case with dressage. Goes back to the days of middle ages as being able to demonstrate your skill at horse riding was part of being a noble. In fact horse jumping is 1 of 5 events that make up the Pentathlon. You have to be able to control a horse and ride it over jumps and obstacles that you've never ridden before.  

Answer 6

I think the International Olympic Committee would know better than you what is considered a sport and what isn't.  If you consider neutral sources, you will see that there has been absolutely no judging controversy these Games yet.  Judges are used the same way referees are in most sports, simply there to control the game.  When a team or player wins by a large margin, everyone knows it, and the judges reflect on it.  When the slimmest of margins determines medals, judges have difficult decisions, but at the same time, referees make mistakes when there are close calls in any sport as well.  Controversies occur in judged sports just as often as in non-judged sports.

You can have your opinion, but you are heavily outnumbered by the world.