skipro101 0 #1 June 1, 2004 Mk, so im browsing the olympic website (www.olympic.org) and am wondering why skydiving isnt in the olympic games. I mean, sheesh, badmiton is in the games. BADMITON! not to mention table tennis. So...why isnt skydiving in the olympic games? I think it should be. Im inclined to write a letter, but, alas, my synical view of the way things work lets me know it wont do any good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #2 June 1, 2004 There are a LOT of reasons. Not many of them good from a "we're here for the good of amature sport", but more like, "how would we sell tickets to that?" and "who's going to watch that on TV?" and "wouldn't we sell more Nike shoes by showing basketball?"quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 37 #3 June 1, 2004 I agree it amazes me that Skydiving is not an Olympic sport. But the card game of Bridge... now there's a sport http://www.worldbridge.org/IOC/IOC.htm"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #4 June 1, 2004 QuoteI agree it amazes me that Skydiving is not an Olympic sport. But the card game of Bridge... now there's a sport http://www.worldbridge.org/IOC/IOC.htm I prefer Curling since you vary your strategy relative to your opponent's hair color. A blue-ish color may indicate more aggressive moves by your team. You must also ensure that your equipment is maintained well and in great condition. Most of it can also be acquired at Home Depot, rather than Sport Chalet, and at a quantity discount. It is a mysterious sport, but I encourage everyone to learn more about the competition and join the local club. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IanHarrop 37 #5 June 1, 2004 HURRY HARD!!!!"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #6 June 1, 2004 QuoteMk, so im browsing the olympic website (www.olympic.org) and am wondering why skydiving isnt in the olympic games. I mean, sheesh, badmiton is in the games. BADMITON! not to mention table tennis. So...why isnt skydiving in the olympic games? Hosting nations get to propose exhibition events which often become permament additions. Both of those are very popular competitive sports in Asia. It's only through ignorance that they can be seen otherwise. Badmiton may be the nancy boy version of tennis/volleyball here, but not there. What objectively scored (we don't need anything with French judges) skydiving event would you like to see? One that has a big enough participant pool to justify its presence there? 4 ways maybe, but when you only have a few thousand teams on the planet I don't see it happening. To its advantage, the team size is small - the IOC seems opposed to new events that will rachet up the athlete count substantially. Baseball might be dumped for this reason. Bridge (or chess) otoh, get real. This is an athletic competition, not a mental one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #7 June 1, 2004 Curling is a great sport, ahem, curling is an exciting sport, ahem, curling is a test of endurance, stamina and tactics, ahem.... curling is about the only winter sport that us Scots can win at. I vote we keep it!-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr2mk1g 10 #8 June 1, 2004 QuoteI prefer Curling since you vary your strategy relative to your opponent's hair color. A blue-ish color may indicate more aggressive moves by your team. You must also ensure that your equipment is maintained well and in great condition. Most of it can also be acquired at Home Depot, rather than Sport Chalet, and at a quantity discount. It is a mysterious sport, but I encourage everyone to learn more about the competition and join the local club. Replace the word "Curling" with "Freeflying" and I believe this statement still works... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #9 June 1, 2004 Another reason is that no other olympic event uses vehicals.....We do."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #10 June 1, 2004 QuoteAnother reason is that no other olympic event uses vehicals.....We do well, we only use it to get to our "arena" just like other athletes get a ride to the stadium O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #11 June 1, 2004 If I remember correctly, Skydiving was a demonstration sport for the olympics in the mid-80's ..... not sure when exactly (85? ish) and dont know what happened after that.... google may help.... (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #12 June 1, 2004 "Another reason is that no other olympic event uses vehicals.....We do. " In this respect I don't see any real difference in skiers takin a gondola, chair or even a tow up the hill. So we use an aircraft, is there any fundamental difference? The way I see it, there are two main stumbling blocks with the IOC....the ever present potential for death , in a spectacular fashion, during a live international broadcast. The other hurdle is the remote nature of skydiving, IE we can't really see whats going on, up close and personal, similar to say skiing, or marathon running. We have to present it in a form that will be attractive to attendees at the venue, and we have to make it good to watch. Pal Bergen and BJ Worth have been doing some great work over the years, sadly to no avail.-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PurpleWill 1 #13 June 1, 2004 I think accessibility might also be an issue even if not an official one. Competitors usually become good partly because they have a lot of money to burn. It's not like the marathon where a guy from a village in Kenya can compete against a guy from the States.There is a lot of stuff worth doing but then there is a lot of stuff worth doing instead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #14 June 1, 2004 QuoteIn this respect I don't see any real difference in skiers takin a gondola, chair or even a tow up the hill. So we use an aircraft, is there any fundamental difference? You can climb a hill to ski down it...We HAVE to use a plane to skydive. Besides its not my hangup...It's the IOC's. Plus its not really a spectator sport...And most people have no reference to it...People understand running since they have run, people understand swimming since they have gone swimming, people can understand Ice hockey, even badmitton....People can't understand skydiving. And that is why skydiving will never be a popular sport. People can't understand it, and its to expensive for people to be able to run to Walmart and experience it like little johnny can with a skateboard, or a bike. Hell, even IN skydiving most people could not care who is competing and whinning, why should Joe Public care if we don't?"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anthonylock 0 #15 June 1, 2004 Yeah some good points about people not being able to see skydiving up close and personal, swooping has possibly the best chance, as it is much more spectator friendly. Then again most people would probably prefer to watch some awesome freefly than a bridge game?!?! after all they would both have to be broadcast. As for people not understanding skydiving, is understanding a pre-requsite for enjoying the spectator experience? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #16 June 1, 2004 QuoteYeah some good points about people not being able to see skydiving up close and personal, swooping has possibly the best chance, as it is much more spectator friendly But increadably boring to watch...Its like BASE jumping...I have never been able to watch more then 5 min's of BASE video. The same thing over and over...It gets old. QuoteThen again most people would probably prefer to watch some awesome freefly than a bridge game?!?! after all they would both have to be broadcast. More people can understand playing cards...Not many can understand FF. QuoteAs for people not understanding skydiving, is understanding a pre-requsite for enjoying the spectator experience? To really get into it? Yes. To see some pretty pictures, No. But the sport will not grow unless people want to buy "Airspeed" jerseys and hats. There is a saying in the car buisness.."What wins on Sunday, sells on Monday". Comercialism is what makes sports big. For people to get excited in a sport they need to understand what is going on, and be able to relate to it. Case in point...I watched the Hockey game last night...I don't know much about hockey. But I did play soccer in high school, and I have been Ice skateing. So I could understand the goal of putting the puck past the goalie into the net...I also knew that Ice skateing can be hard. So I can also understand figure skateing. Now take aerobatics...I am a pilot, so I can really get into aerobatic competitons...Most people will not watch a competition. Watching the same types of planes do the same thing over and over...However they will watch an airshow...But it is a completley different thing. People will look at it if it is interesting looking, but they have to be able to relate to really get into watching it. The most popular sports are easy to try. NASCAR, CART, Indy, Drag racing...Well most people drive so they can relate. Football, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball....Who has not thrown, kicked, or hit a ball or played a few sandlot games? Who watches Skateboard competions? 30-40 year old males, or 10-20 Y/O's?"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tailgate 0 #17 June 1, 2004 Probably the only way to get broadcast interest in a RW or FF competition would be to put a live cam on the cameraman's helmet so the audience could watch it in real time and the talking heads could do replays. _________________________________________________ Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man- Sam Walter Foss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #18 June 1, 2004 QuoteProbably the only way to get broadcast interest in a RW or FF competition would be to put a live cam on the cameraman's helmet so the audience could watch it in real time and the talking heads could do replays. What springs to mind is the scene from 'Cutaway' where the wuffo reporters excitedly explain the Speed Star competition. Yeah, that's it! In Finland, during the World Games, we had pamphlets which explained what skydiving was...what 4-way was, and what they were seeing on the LIVE screen. TV did alot of broadcasts on our sport, yet the IOC didn't pick it up for the Olympics. Not enough spectator interest. They just don't get it. Now, swooping on the other hand....when Airspeed swooped the pond in the infield....THAT brought alot of reaction from the crowd! Skydiver and wuffo alike! (they competed at a horse racing track and took of in a Russian Mi8 helicopter from the infield and landed there too). ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d604 0 #19 June 1, 2004 In addition to what has been said, how much of the general public already watch skydiving on TV. I’m sure the number is close to zero, there are no broadcasts, just a quick news segment (usually when something has gone bad) or some ½ hour show on the Discover Channel, or Real TV. Very rarely is it a competition of some sorts. Bottom line there is no one watching skydiving on the TV but skydivers, what network would want to buy the rights to show Olympic Skydiving? I’m guessing not many and if they did they wouldn’t pay much. How many of us have but in a video with some non-skydiving friends, and have them lose interest with the TV within 15, 30, 60 minutes or have they watched until you got tires of it. My guess the max is an hour with most non-skydivers, but most get bored within 15 minutes. Even if we had better angles, there still would not be many people watching. The Olympic people can’t sell TV rights and stadium tickets to our sport as no one cares but us, and we’re the minority. Although, I would watch an all skydiving channel. The morning show would be called Gear Up, the evening show Beer Light, and skydiving infomercials during late night hours… (I could go on) …. SeanCSPA ratings C1, C2, IA, IB, QE, RA, and EJR Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisL 2 #20 June 1, 2004 QuoteAnother reason is that no other olympic event uses vehicals.....We do. I would call a bobsled a vehicle __ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #21 June 1, 2004 QuoteI would call a bobsled a vehicle It does not have a motor. And thats the IPC issue."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlmiracle 7 #22 June 1, 2004 QuoteQuoteAnother reason is that no other olympic event uses vehicals.....We do well, we only use it to get to our "arena" just like other athletes get a ride to the stadium O That is an excellent statement! I had always heard skydiving is not an olympic sport because we had to use an airplane to get to our "arena". JudyBe kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisL 2 #23 June 1, 2004 Hot air baloon then. I dont think anyone could claim that a propane burner is a "motor" since it doesnt provide torque or thrust of any kind. It just makes heat.__ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #24 June 1, 2004 QuoteThat is an excellent statement! I had always heard skydiving is not an olympic sport because we had to use an airplane to get to our "arena". Judy The difference is they COULD walk...We CAN'T skydive without an aircraft. Again its the IPC's hangup...I personally think that skydiving is an incredably boring sport to watch unless you do it. Just put on a video in a room full of whuffos...They will watch at first, then after its just the same stuff over and over...They will lose interest. There is not a market for skydiving as a spectator sport...Just check out the X games. They took out skysurf, and went with things like skatebording...Something 12 year olds can do."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ron 7 #25 June 1, 2004 QuoteHot air baloon then. I dont think anyone could claim that a propane burner is a "motor" since it doesnt provide torque or thrust of any kind. It just makes heat. No other Olympic sport uses powered vehicals as part of the event. Also, you don't want to change the sport just to make it popular....You lose that battle every time. What happens is you end up with a sport that is nothing like what it was....And you still don't have any popularity. When was the last time you cared who won the local track event in your state? Can you even tell me when the last event was? Getting skydiving into the Olympics is not gonna happen anytime soon. And I don't think it should be a focus. It will be nothing like the sport we know it, and it will not make it more popular... Style and Acc have the best chance at being Olympic events. Easy to understand, and the landings are easy to watch. But Freeflying and RW have very little chance. They already tried to take the exit out of the 4way event. Had everyone launch a star then start...Another idea was to just have each team perform the sequence once and it was timed. So you would launch a star, then when you moved or after 10 seconds the clock would start and you had 6 or so points to turn. Nothing like 4way RW now. also as for a burner not being a motor: Motor n. 1. Something, such as a machine or an engine, that produces or imparts motion. 2. A device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power. adj. 1. Causing or producing motion: motor power. So a burner WOULD be a motor."No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." -- Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
