What makes people say that certain "sports" are not really sports?

Question

"Sport" is defined as "an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc." (Dictionary.com)

I have seen on Yahoo Answers, people saying BMX racing, Table Tennis, Equestrian events, and Synchronized Swimming and Diving are not sports. Cheerleading (even though not an Olympic Sport) has also been said to not be a sport to some people.

If you use the definition of "sport" (above) how would these events not qualify as sports?

Do you feel skateboarding is a sport?

Would you like to see Skateboarding, Cheerleading or American Football added as sports to the Summer Olympics?

Thanks for your opinions.

Answer 1

With events like synchronized swimming, it can be argued that it is more of an art than a sport even though it requires athletic ability. The same argument can be made for rhythmic gymnastics and the like. Table tennis may seem like more of a game, and some may not be convinced it takes athletic ability or physical prowess, although it is competitive.

I would not like to see skateboarding, cheerleading or American football added as events. They are fine as sports, but I don't think they merit being Olympic events.

Answer 2

The reason is because people are loyal to their sports/ their nation's sports. I for one love sports and find something I like in almost all of them. That being said, I still love American Football, Baseball, Basketball, and Ice Hockey the best.

Also when it comes to the Olympics, its not a matter of "is it a sport or isn't it". Really it comes down it "is this an international sport". There are not too many competitive cheer leaders world wide. Same with American Football.

Answer 3

opinion. people who don't do the sport dont realize the hardwork that is put into it.  

Answer 4

My definition would also including have a point to the sport, a connection to some useful activity in general live. Most sports involve skills or activities that in the past could be used to survive or defend yourself or get food for the family. Skills that you might have to use in real life, either now or in the past.

Synchronised swimming and cheerleading don't really have that. How would swimming in pretty patterns help in getting away if a bear was chasing me? Sure the bear might get confused for a while. But he'd pretty quickly get bored and then I'd be in trouble.

Answer 5

i think dance is considered sport. my brother did a routine that i do every week, and he was panting and sweating and gasping for air when i finished with him...HAHAHA!!!! lol, no, i think that anything that people could call sport could be included, if gymnastics, why not dance and/or cheerleading?! if BMX riding, why not skateboarding. american football...mmm, well, i don't know about that, because it would depend on how many countries play it. australia: no, new zealand, i don't think so. i think it would depend on, i guess, the amount of countries and athletes that compete in that sport.

no matter what it is, lawn bowls or diving, dancing or athletics, if it takes skill, and people train years and years for, then i would consider it a sport.

Answer 6

Well, The real sports require skills, physical strengh, stamina, concentration, mental toughness, focus..  

Answer 7

the day i see cheerleading in the olympics is the day i stop watching.

mostly because they dont have ancient roots. the greeks used to box bare fisted.....now thats a sport!

Answer 8

One word.

Ignorance.