20 sports that should compete the Summer Olympics

At some point during one's lifetime, whether male or female, an arm-wrestling match has broken out. So why not showcase it on the Olympic level? Maybe because Sylvester Stallone's 1987 guilty pleasure, arm-wrestling-themed movie Over the Top, never ignited more than passing interest in the sport. While there are, indeed, numerous professional arm wrestling circuits and a world championship event, we're still waiting for the sport to garner some Olympic love.

The Bassmaster Elite Series is the gold standard when it comes to competitive bass fishing on the professional level. And, in the United States, anglers are starting young, notably at the high school level. So, it would make sense that some aspect of fishing finds its way into the Olympic program, and wheels have apparently been in motion. Although we wouldn't recommend fishing in the contaminated Seine River in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, many have braved those conditions.  

Bowling has a history in the Olympics. It was held at the 1936 Summer Games and contested as a demonstration sport during the 1988 Seoul Games. However, the thinking was that it was not appealing to youth and subsequent growth of the sport, thus not pursued further at this level. Which is somewhat strange considering there are endless amount of youth leagues in the United States, where interest in high school and college bowling is one the rise. Whether that can be sustained internationally remains to be seen. 

Playing tag (or "It") has long been a rite of passage for children around the world. It's so beloved that there is actually an official competition that's been featured on the ESPN family of networks. World Chase Tag was founded in 2012, and it's just like playing tag amid playground equipment, though more refined amid easily maneuverable obstacles that are in place for competitors to navigate during a certain time period. This would be the perfect Olympic sport to watch during an afternoon of coverage while working from home.

Back in the day when ABC's Wide World of Sports was a prominent weekend television staple, cliff diving had its place in the viewing rotation. In the present day, the sport of cliff diving is still going strong, thanks to the professional Red Bull Series. And, it's a very international sport that can draw athletes from around the globe. While adding a new and interesting attraction to the Olympic swimming and diving program, that is among the most watched competitions at every Summer Games. 

The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest  has become appointment viewing, but imagine if the sport of competitive eating had an Olympic forum? It's the perfect avenue for American Joey Chestnut to shine once again -- without any allegiances or restrictions. Who knows? Perhaps Takeru Kobayashi, considered the had "godfather of competitive eating" could resurface. And, the Olympic program doesn't have to be limited to hot dogs. What about chicken wings, pizza slices or sushi?

Also known as Bean Bags or Bags, this favorite backyard, driveway and tailgate game has become one of the more popular professional competitions. Competitors are sponsored, major universities are fielding teams, and unlike regular folks playing the game for fun with beer in hand, the pros simply deliver on every shot. That all sets up for a sport that could prove popular for the everyday person to be showcased on the Olympic level. It could feature men's, women's, doubles, and mixed doubles divisions.

Whether playing in a bar or on the board at home, darts are truly an international game that many have dabbled in. Though, one would guess the competitors from the United Kingdom might be favored depending on the type of game we're talking. Cricket, 501, etc. The darts program could include men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition. While it would be even more entertaining if the events were held in a bar, that might be too much to ask. 

This classic P.E. game seemed destined for even more greatness after 2004's Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story came out. Youth and adult recreational dodgeball leagues started popping up everywhere. So, it seemed there might be a chance the sport gained even more prominence and found its way into the Olympic program -- on some level. Considering there are international tournaments popping up everywhere. Well, we're still waiting for a six-on-six competition in an arena setting with the traditional dodgeball rules. 

How many know there is actually an Olympic Esports Series? Or that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025. So, does that mean the massively popular, ever-growing world of Esports won't be considered for inclusion in an actual Olympic program? Guess, we'll just have to wait and see, because it has become so popular around the world, that the pressure campaign to get the go-ahead will be strong. Of course, there are those purists who believe gaming in front of a computer is not really a sport. 

There is a history of motorsports at the Olympics, but one must go back to the early 1900s and again in the 1930s. However, there is a belief within the Olympic community that one day engines will be revved for competition. While Formula 1/Grand Prix racing might cater to a more international audience, we'd like to see some classic kart racing be featured on the Olympic program. These mini motorized vehicles have an open frame that reeks of gasoline. Of course, modern-day versions are more enhanced and attractive. Competing on a road-course track with tires piled up as a cushion. Keep in mind, this is where some of the world's best racers got their start. As always, safety will be top priority.

Based on how popular mixed martial arts has become over the years, it would seem like a natural addition to the Summer Olympics program. However, while UFC events pack bars and make a killing via pay-per-view services, the argument that the sport is too violent for a supposed wholesome environment that the Olympics want to portray makes sense. Of course, any corruption that goes on behind the scenes at the Olympics seems to be fine. That said, if there's a sport that draws a massive audience and would bring more eyes to the Olympics, then MMA just might be the one.

Come on, wouldn't it be fun to watch competitors from around the globe trying to putt the ball through a moving windmill or knock it in a laughing clown's mouth on the first try? That's what we'd want from Olympic mini golf. None of this straight-forward, curve-or-two hole course with nothing standing in the way of the cup. What would make things more entertaining is designing a course with obstacles in the shape of landmarks indigenous to the host city. Like a lit Eiffel Tower or putting through the Arc de Triomphe in Paris 2024. 

Talk about a sport sweeping the nation. And, maybe even the world. This seemingly simpler, less physically taxing form of tennis has become popular with participants of all ages. The court is slightly smaller, net lower, and competitors play with paddles (somewhat similar to ping-pong, but larger) and a whiffle ball. ESPN showcased the sport in 2023 when tennis legends John McEnroe and Michael Chang teamed up to face Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick in a Pickleball match. There are various national/international championships that could further open the door for pickleball to become a serious Olympic sport.

Believe it or not, sack racing has grown beyond the traditional backyard barbecue or family picnic competition. There are legitimate international competitions spanning the globe, with lengths covering 50, 100 meters, 200 meters, etc. Yes, this is serious competition. So much so that competitors and fans of the competition have inquired about whether sack racing should have its place in the Olympics. Let's hope especially if they're racing in those traditional burlap sacks. 

Spikeball has become quite popular at family gatherings, on college campuses, and during downtime at American high schools. And, there's a certain level of athletic skill required to succeed at the sport. For those unfamiliar with this budding sport, spikeball features a two-on-two format, where a ball is served onto a bouncy, round net on the ground. From there, the game takes on an almost volleyball-like feel, with the ball being bumped and then spiked into the net (no more than three times per team). There are no boundaries or out-of-bounds. Miss the net, lose the point.

Some of the more entertaining competitions that rate television air time are those of the simplest and traditional endeavors that just about any human has partaken in at some point or another. How many out there have flung a stone onto a body of water, waiting to see how long and far it can skip? So again, this type of competition would be quite relatable to just about anybody who has ever picked up a rock and tried to skim it as far as possible on top a body of water. Kurt Steiner and David "Spider-Man" Ohman are just two of the greats worthy of competing at the Olympic level. 

The 3x3 Olympic basketball competition has become quite popular, so why not add another element of the game into the mix? A competition featuring both men and women, with a similar format to that of the NBA All-Star Weekend. Or, it could be a head-to-head competition, which might spark even more intrigue. And, since basketball has truly become an international game, it would be easy for some of the world's best shooters, men and women, to make for a star-studded field. We'd like Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark right out of the gate.

Back in the late 1970s and into the '80s, the tug-of-war event was a staple of the popular Battle of the Network Stars and Superstars competition. So, why not incorporate this rope-pulling competition into the Olympic program? A men's and women's division, where strength, precision, and teamwork are all essential in securing victory. Now, in world competition, there is no pit of water in the middle that creates a high level of entertainment, as it does when the losing side is poorly defeated enough to fall in.

Baseball has had a rather tumultuous history at the Summer Olympics. It's out for 2024, but slated to be back in '28. So, why not have a little fun and go down another baseball-related road to give Whiffle Ball a try? Follow the lead of those professional whiffle ball leagues, and create a few mini fields, with baselines, walls, fences, etc. Go a step further, and the field can replicate some of baseball's legendary ballparks. It's usually a good time when a kids' game achieves some Olympic glory.