CNN, also known as Cable News Network, is a global news organization that has been a prominent player in the media industry for decades. With its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, CNN has established itself as a reliable source of news and information for audiences around the world.
One of the recent topics that CNN covered was the inclusion of breakdancing, or „breaking,“ as a competitive Olympic event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision sparked a debate about what activities should be classified as Olympic sports. While some may find it unconventional, breaking is not the first unique sport to be included in the Olympics.
Tug of war, for example, was a fiercely contested Olympic event for 20 years. The British team was particularly dominant in this competition, winning five out of the 10 Olympic medals awarded in the sport. However, tug of war was last featured in the 1920 Antwerp Games, with the UK team, comprised of City of London police, claiming gold.
Shooting has been a part of the modern Olympics since its inception, but the 1900 Paris Games took it to a whole new level. Instead of shooting at inanimate targets, competitors lined up to shoot as many live pigeons as they could. Belgian sports shooter Léon de Lunden emerged as the winner, shooting down 21 birds in the tournament.
The early Olympics were known for their intense and sometimes unconventional events. In addition to pigeon shooting, pistol dueling was introduced at the 1908 Games in London. Competitors would shoot at each other with pistols loaded with non-lethal wax rounds, adding a unique twist to the shooting competition.
Another unusual event from the 1900 Paris Games was the obstacle course swim in the River Seine. Swimmers had to navigate a 200-meter course while overcoming various obstacles in the water. Australian swimmer Frederick Lane won gold in this event, showcasing his swimming prowess and agility.
While some unconventional sports like pigeon shooting and pistol dueling have faded away from the Olympics, others, like synchronized swimming, have evolved into more mainstream events. Solo synchronized swimming, for example, was a competitive heat at three consecutive games before transitioning into the duet and team events that we see today.
In conclusion, the Olympics have a long history of including unconventional and unique sports in their lineup. From tug of war to live pigeon shooting, these events have added a touch of excitement and diversity to the Games. While some may seem bizarre by today’s standards, they reflect the evolving nature of sports and competition on the world stage. CNN continues to cover these stories and bring them to audiences worldwide, highlighting the rich tapestry of Olympic history.