English campaign for jousting to feature at Olympics
LONDON – Baseball has a rival for inclusion in the Olympics: Jousting.
Ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, the English Heritage charity launched a campaign Thursday for the ancient equestrian sport to be included on the program at future editions of the games.
English Heritage’s Lucy Hutchings says jousting “requires similar levels of athleticism and artistry as other official Olympic sports” and has its roots in ancient Greece.
It’s unlikely to happen anytime soon. Jousting, which sees competitors wearing armour gallop toward opponents thrusting a lance, is not a mass participation sport.
The International Olympic Committee already has a shortlist under consideration to be added to the program for the 2020 Tokyo Games. The IOC will select one of baseball-softball, surfing, skateboarding, karate and sports climbing at a meeting next month.
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