Olympic Skateboarding ...
The Story So Far - A few years ago, the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) had a meeting about skateboarding in the Olympics. The discussion wasn't about "should" skateboarding be there, but "when". At that point, it looked like we would all see skaters in the 2008 Olympics.
But then, the whole idea hit the media, which then generated a huge amount of backlash. Hardcore skaters were worried about even more selling out, and about skateboarding being considered officially a "sport". Other people, mostly those who wanted to make more money, pushed hard for skateboarding to be in the games. IASC's motives were questioned, it's leaders where questioned, and in general there was a whole lot of freaking out.
And Now... - Now skateboarding looks like it's not even in the running for 2012. The powers that be don't seem as interested any more, and though the Olympic Committee would like to generate more youth interest in the Olympic games, this is perhaps too touchy of a subject.
So will skateboarding ever enter the Olympics? And what would it look like if it did? Would it be all street? The UCI, the body who decides these things for the Olympics, seems to want a vert course, but with the X Games almost canceling vert, it makes you wonder if that's the best way to represent skateboarding. I mean, how many of you out there ride vert ramps when you skate? But if it was a street contest, then how would it be judged? Street is also so technical and easy to miss, and doesn't have the spectacle or pop of vert.
And beyond all of that, what would this do to skateboarding in general? Some think it would murder it. Clarkie from Real Skate Magazine still has her petition against skateboarding in the Olympics open, and running strong with over 2000 signatures. On the other hand sources do say that 2016 might be a likely year to see skateboarding hit the Olympics. It's a crazy debate, and with there being so much time between now and then, this conversation is going tp be a long one.
What do you think? Leave a comment!
Comments
Look at what gymnasticscoaching.com says you should train for the 2012 Olympics with! I can’t beleive they put this there! Haha!
http://gymnasticscoaching.com/?p=2385#respond
it should definatly be in the olimpics
you guys should put in motocross
i think if there are enough countries with skateboarders and we get a system for judging then it should be allowed.
i think it should be in the olympics…i my self am a skater…there many peolpe good people around the world that are skaters …..
it shuld defenitly be in the olympics. Many cuntreys have awesome skaters and they shuld have a chans to compete with the grand masters like the Us. Im persnoly from seden and we got some realy Sick skaters hear