The sports that disappeared from the Olympics reveal a time when almost anything went and imagination ruled the day. Athletes shot at mannequins, climbed ropes using only their hands, and competed with more enthusiasm than common sense—all for the sheer love of putting on a show.
Before the Olympics became the grand stage of records and legends, it was a testing ground full of wild and sometimes absurd experiments in sport. Here’s a fun journey through forgotten events that once thrilled crowds but now live only in the pages of history.
Sports That Disappeared from the Olympics
In the early days of modern Olympism, organizers tried every kind of discipline imaginable, searching for new forms of entertainment and physical challenge. Many didn’t last long, but each left its mark. Below are some of the most memorable ones.
Pistol Dueling
Yes—just like in Old Western movies, but without the blood. In 1906 and 1908, competitors shot at mannequins painted with targets. It was the closest thing to a cowboy showdown in the modern era. The event vanished in a blink, though it caused quite a stir while it lasted.
Tug-of-War
A good old-fashioned village pastime turned Olympic event. Two teams of powerhouses pulled on a rope with all their might, trying to drag the other side across a line. Between 1900 and 1920, it was a crowd favorite, sparking epic rivalries between nations. Eventually, the IOC let go of the rope—literally.
Live Pigeon Shooting
Yes, live pigeons. During the 1900 Paris Games, shooters aimed at live birds launched into the air, bringing down over 300 in one day. It was the first and last time such a thing was allowed. After public outrage, the Olympic Committee permanently sent the event flying off the program.
Croquet
An elegant yet painfully dull sport. In 1900, only French players took part, and a lone British spectator showed up to watch. The goal was to hit wooden balls through hoops on a grassy field. It appeared in the Olympics just once—and rightly so, since the audience nearly fell asleep between shots.
Motorboating
Boat races in the Olympics? Indeed. In London 1908, motorboat racing made its debut as the first and last motorized Olympic sport. Bad weather, frequent accidents, and low enthusiasm sank the idea completely. The IOC dropped it without hesitation—not to mention, it wasn’t exactly eco-friendly.
Rope Climbing
Like the rope drills from school gym class, only with medals at stake. Athletes had to climb a tall rope using just their hands. The event appeared sporadically between 1896 and 1932. At first, the crowd was amazed, but the novelty soon wore off. In the end, organizers pulled it down from the schedule.
Polo
A sport for royals and the wealthy, polo was featured in five editions between 1900 and 1936. Teams from several countries—including the U.S.—competed, even winning gold and silver in 1920. However, maintaining horses and logistics proved too costly. Over time, polo quietly rode off into Olympic oblivion.
Basque Pelota
Spain earned its first Olympic gold… without even playing! In that inaugural modern Games, they were supposed to face France, but the French withdrew due to disputes over the rules. Spain won by default. It was both the first and last time Basque Pelota appeared in the Olympics.
Tandem Cycling
Tandem cycling was truly a two-person affair—literally. Two riders shared a single bike, giving their all on the velodrome track. The races were a wild mix of speed and balance, though one wrong move could send both cyclists rolling… just not in the way they intended.
As you can see, these vanished Olympic sports tell a story full of wild ideas, risky experiments, and unforgettable moments. Some disappeared because they were dull, others due to controversy, and a few simply because the world moved on and the Olympic spirit evolved.
