Why isn't bowling in the Olympics?

[pdx_magic]

I'm inviting anyone and everyone to share their thoughts on why bowling is not an Olympic event? Save for a few years it was an "exhibition" sport, bowling just never made it to the "Bigs". Yet it is the largest participating sport in the U.S. boasting over 60 million people bowling last year. As if that wasn't enough, over 2 million people across the country were involved in regular league bowling! So, clearly the numbers are there for it to be a big league sport... but why doesn't the Olympic Committee see it the same way? The fact that it is a sport enjoyed the world over, you'd think it would have been an Olympic event already.
So what's your take? Politics? Money? Old grudges? I've heard them all.

[mike-boogie]

I think they explained this on the pepsi red,white and blue telecast. The usbc is making attempts to get bowling considered by the oly usoc. In order for that to happen, every bowling center across...

the nation and worldwide must have the same oil patterns, to make it fair, so no one has a advantage or disadvantage. Hence the red,white and blue oil patterns. This way, there would be a worldwide...

standard oil pattern used by all with three tiers. beginner, intermediate and expert or professional. It's really an awesome idea, and I hope it works out! Hope all our centers participate!

Then we can see the sport we all love get it's rightful recognition in the Olympics, and see the best bowlers in the world compete for the title of best bowler in the world! :)

[Jord_84]

It really should be an olympic sport. I mean seriously...curling? How can you tell me curling is a sport worthy of the olympics while bowling, the largest recreational sport in the world, is not? It doesn't make sense. I expect bowling will get its recognition someday.

[pdx_magic]

I have heard that one reason bowling is not an Olympic sport is that there is a controversy over whether it is a "sport" or not. But when you look at some of the so called "sports" already in the Olympics you become baffled as to why there is any doubt. I agree with you Jord_84 about the Olympics accepting Curling as a sport, but not yet accepting bowling. I'm also baffled by Synchronized swimming, rythmatic tumbling, and Olympic facepainting. Just kidding about that last one, but you get my meaning.

[Kokomo Kid]

pdx_magic,

I am curious if you are going to write an article about this?

[JAnderson]

Some of the things I have read and unfortunately can't further clarify or give proper references:

1. There are a limited number of sports in the olympics. For a new sport to start, an existing sport must end its participation in the olympics.

2. Most countries do not have a single governing body behind bowling. That is part of what lead to the creation of the USBC.

3. Politics of the olympics sports governing body.

4. Money - bowling doesn't lend itself well to large stadiums with lots of seats with their associated price tags.

5. Credibility - whether we want to admit it or not, bowling is one of the few sports where you can go down to the local bowling center and see local hacks outscoring the best in the world on TV.

[mattro]

I know I'm new here and this will ruffle a bunch of feathers, but I feel the same way about golf as I do about bowling.(and I'm a PGA teaching professional)

It's not really a sport, any game you can play when you're 50 yrs old with a beer in one hand and a corn dog in the other is not a sport to me. sorry

but then again neither is curling as listed above. don't know what to say except that it will be someday, when there is a Tiger Woods of bowling and can push it through whether it's a dumb idea or not.

[Drano]

any game you can play when you're 50 yrs old with a beer in one hand and a corn dog in the other is not a sport to me

TBH not sure how one would do this in bowling. Or golfing for that matter, don't you need to like, swing a club?

[mike-boogie]

lol. u tell em drano! :) According to websters, sport is defined as recreation, physical activity engaged in for pleasure, fun. I think bowling fits that description, don't you??? :P

[mattro]

I"m pretty sure you know what I meant when I said that. Like I said, not trying to ruffle any feathers, just the way I feel about it. I"m well aware that if you have a beer in one hand and a corn dog in the other you can't bowl, or swing a golf club for that matter. but I can bowl with a beer in one hand and a corn dog in my mouth. lol I've personally both seen and done it.

I do however after further thought feel that bowling deserves to be an Olympic sport more than golf. After all the PGA tour is already pretty much a world wide tour, in the fact that all the best players in the world play there. As far as the PBA goes, I'm not so sure. The idea of the Red. White, & Blue oil pattern is very interesting and think it will make strides to elevate bowling i international competition. Next stop is Olympics.

[Jord_84]

Lol, bowling is most definitely a sport. You've got to have endurance to go to tournaments and shoot a ton of games. (Which you can't do with a beer in your hand...alcohol can't be consumed during state or national tournies). Not to mention, it takes a great deal of physical and mental strength to keep the high scores rolling in...despite all the variables that affect each game. It takes a fine-tuned athlete to know what changes to make and how to execute them.

During my high school career, I played basketball, I ran hurdles in track, I rode horseback, and I was on swim team. While bowling isn't as physical as other sports...it requires more knowledge and mental concentration than any sport I've ever participated in.

[pdx_magic]

pdx_magic,

I am curious if you are going to write an article about this?


Yes, that's part of the reason I'm asking the question. Thanks for asking.

[nathan]

Could lack of standardization be an issue? I mean, as far as equipment and lane oil. The usbc red white and blue patterns could fix lane credibility if centers actually adopt them, but what about the balls? Other than size (and weight?), balls are pretty much anything goes. This puts a lot of emphasis on equipment rather than skill, which may be something the olympic people don't like.

I'm not very knowledgeable about this, but it seems that there's not many standards in bowling compared with other sports.

...or maybe they just can't decide whether to make it a winter sport or a summer sport.

[Zoomie]

I agree wether you sweat, drink beer or see who can belches the loudest this should be an Olympic sport. Bowling is played by more people world wide than any other "activity" period. Come on seriously twirling!!!! If it has something to do with oil patterns that just make one up special for the Olympics, pass out the pattern and let people practice on it. And since we dominated the sport of womens softball and they removed it "which was a crock!" there is an opening to slide in bowling. I may be biased because I like to bowl but come on give it a chance.

[WAC4504]

I don't believe that the Red White and Blue oil patterns have much of anything to do with getting in the Olympics. If it was just a matter of oil patterns the OC would create there own pattern and the rest of the wold would have to follow. Personally I have lost all respect for the Olympics and don't even watch them, I believe most of it has to do with money and corruption. And as far as Curling goes just how many African nations and 3rd world countries have Curling rinks, and if shuffle board isn't an Olympic sport I'd want to know why not? Just my thoughts.

[Phil]

well on that same note, how many african nations have people in the olympics period?? as for bowling being in the olympics i say go for it, at least give it a try.....

[Jord_84]

well on that same note, how many african nations have people in the olympics period?? as for bowling being in the olympics i say go for it, at least give it a try.....

All of them, when it comes to track and field at least.

but bowling is definitely far more a demanding and popular sport than curling.
Maybe we should start a petition to oust curling in favor of bowling lol

[mike-boogie]

As I mentioned before, the red white and blue oil patterns were brought up during the world series of bowling telecasts. They spoke of the significance of having universal oil patterns to be considered by the olympic comitte. The usbc is making big strides in getting bowling considered as an olympic sport. So I think at some point we will have our sport as a olympic sport :)

[pdx_magic]

I think they explained this on the pepsi red,white and blue telecast. The usbc is making attempts to get bowling considered by the oly usoc. In order for that to happen, every bowling center across...

the nation and worldwide must have the same oil patterns, to make it fair, so no one has a advantage or disadvantage. Hence the red,white and blue oil patterns. This way, there would be a worldwide...

standard oil pattern used by all with three tiers. beginner, intermediate and expert or professional. It's really an awesome idea, and I hope it works out! Hope all our centers participate!

Then we can see the sport we all love get it's rightful recognition in the Olympics, and see the best bowlers in the world compete for the title of best bowler in the world! :)

Hey mike-boogie,
Thanks for your comment. But, I don't believe this is what is holding us back from getting bowling into the Olympics. This has never been mentioned as a reason before now. Besides, if the Olympic Committee wants a standard set of lane conditions, then they can specify these for world events and all countries would comply if they want to compete. No. I think it's more to do with politics and money. Just my opinion.

[Maine Man]

I covered this very subject in my blog roll recently. Please check out my take on bowling and the Olympics here:

http://bowler2bowler.wordpress.com/

Please feel free to comment on anything you read in the blog, thanks! :)

[StrikeRun]

Whether bowling is a sport, a game, or a leisure activity really has nothing to do with it. Any sport can be a game, and any game can be a sport. If you do it for fun, it's a game/activity. If you do it in competition it's a sport. This is true with any Olympic sport. Skiing, ice skating, swimming or anything else.

I believe that a major reason is due to the fact that there are too many variables that contribute to the results. Variables that the players have no control over. And I'm not talking about lane conditions and ball layouts.

Think about all of the Olympic sports and what the competitors need to do to win. They need to execute the basic fundamentals of their sport better than their competitors. Results are determined by absolutes such as time, distance, or execution.

In bowling, results are based on execution. And in bowling, perfect execution is not reflected on the scoreboard. There is too much luck that plays into the final outcome.

Bowler A can hit his mark every shot resulting in ten dead flush pocket shots. Yet he only carries 80% and finishes with 258.

Bowler B's accuracy ranges two boards. He throws six Dead flush shots, 2 light mixers, one brooklyn, and a nose shot. He scores 279 and wins the match.

To us, that's bowling.. But to them, the better player did not win and that goes against everything the Olympics stands for.

[mrbill]

Whether bowling is a sport, a game, or a leisure activity really has nothing to do with it. Any sport can be a game, and any game can be a sport. If you do it for fun, it's a game/activity. If you do it in competition it's a sport. This is true with any Olympic sport. Skiing, ice skating, swimming or anything else.

I believe that a major reason is due to the fact that there are too many variables that contribute to the results. Variables that the players have no control over. And I'm not talking about lane conditions and ball layouts.

Think about all of the Olympic sports and what the competitors need to do to win. They need to execute the basic fundamentals of their sport better than their competitors. Results are determined by absolutes such as time, distance, or execution.

In bowling, results are based on execution. And in bowling, perfect execution is not reflected on the scoreboard. There is too much luck that plays into the final outcome.

Bowler A can hit his mark every shot resulting in ten dead flush pocket shots. Yet he only carries 80% and finishes with 258.

Bowler B's accuracy ranges two boards. He throws six Dead flush shots, 2 light mixers, one brooklyn, and a nose shot. He scores 279 and wins the match.

To us, that's bowling.. But to them, the better player did not win and that goes against everything the Olympics stands for.

I agree with you up untill the point about "luck"
In down hill skiing an Olympion Can unluckly get stuck in the gate and will re**** in loseing. Rare but unlucky.
(Hocky) A team can get unlucky by a bad call from the ref or mabe lose from a lucky bank shot from the other team.
You can poke holes in any sport/game
In bowling the player that finds the best line that won't result in that ringing 10 pin or throw the ball a tad slower to have the ball grab the lane a bit to soon to result in a split.
"Luck is Earned"
All this is off the top of my head so feel free to shoot hole in it at will:)

[StrikeRun]

In down hill skiing an Olympion Can unluckly get stuck in the gate and will re**** in loseing. Rare but unlucky.

That's true. But the instances you quote are execution related - Like if a bowler hangs up in the thumb hole.

If the skier doesn't clear the gate cleanly, they are not expected to win. Making sure that you clear the gate is the responsibility of the skier, a responsibility that they have control over.

Asking a bowler to find a line that prevents ringing ten pins is too much to ask. Especially if sloppy, poorly executed strikes score the same as flush pocket strikes.

[JAnderson]

Asking a bowler to find a line that prevents ringing ten pins is too much to ask

Absolutely not unless you're talking about 100% prevention. Execution, in bowling, is not purely physical. At the higher levels of the game, outcome is often decided by differences in mental focus, concentration, or correct application of knowledge and experience to achieve an end like adjusting away from ringing ten pins.

"Luck" is nothing more than our biased observation or perception of events resulting from the universe's application of chaos. Sure, a bowler can have great carry for a game or two just as you described. Over the long run, the competitor who executes better at every level is going to come out on top. That's the way it works with the current elite tournaments such as the U.S. Open or World Cup. Olympic competition wouldn't be a game or two where some "lucky carry" is going to prevail.

Even giving away that argument, "lucky carry" is so often a facet of good execution at some level such as finding a better line or a better release or a better equipment match.

[Motiv Girl]

These numbers are hard to ignore,but the IOC seems to do a great job at looking
past these stats.

Bowling is played in 88 countries located in all five Olympic Zones.
100,000,000 participants
13,000 bowling centers
250,000 bowling lanes
$ 6,000,000,000.00 annual industry
Proven TV track record
Avid fan loyalty
Adaptable to any schedule
46% women competitors

Bowling is included in The Pan American Games,Asian Games,World Games,
Commonwealth Games and a few others.

Bowling takes :Athleticism,Skill, Has a invisible challenge
You can bowl for a lifetime
It's family oriented
It has no age,height,speed or strength limitations

With so many facts and figures looking them in the face,what could be the problem.

Here is a article from Sam Baca and Larry Matthews back in 1998 to the IOC
this is very to the point.This letter still rings true today. Except some of the names
and faces in bowling at that time.
http://www.boliche.com.br/olimpicoriginal.htm

[mcusseaux]

Bowling should be in the Olympics, if archery is.

[DaveAyotte]

I'm fairly surprised that only a few examples are being given. Here's my .02:

Curling was mentioned, but what about
-Kayaking?
-Ping Pong?
-Badminton?
-Handball?
-SAILING?!
-What about Judo and Taekwondo being 2 different events? why not combine them for MMA? It's all the rage these days.

There's countless events that could easily be replaced by Bowling and STILL be more exciting to watch. I'm up for signing that petition if it ever comes to fruition. (PS, I don't think baseball is an Olympic event either. It should be)

[greycat]

Who is going to pay to go watch the fattest people in the stadium compete in a "sport." What is the format? what is considered an olympic record? Is this a summer sport even though it's done in the winter for most. How many people is a country able to bring? Who is paying to send and house these bowlers for poorer countries? I remember having this and the pba heavy talked about with pete treadwell. Just type his name in google to find the discussion.

[resstealth]

I know I'm new here and this will ruffle a bunch of feathers, but I feel the same way about golf as I do about bowling.(and I'm a PGA teaching professional)

It's not really a sport, any game you can play when you're 50 yrs old with a beer in one hand and a corn dog in the other is not a sport to me. sorry

but then again neither is curling as listed above. don't know what to say except that it will be someday, when there is a Tiger Woods of bowling and can push it through whether it's a dumb idea or not.

I respectfully disagree. I was a division 1 pitcher for 4 years, and bowling causes more pain in my arm then baseball ever did.

[J Anderson]

I don't think that pain is necessarily part of the definition of what makes something a sport. If bowling is causing pain, not just the soreness that accompanies getting stronger, something is wrong.

[bowl1820]

I don't think that pain is necessarily part of the definition of what makes something a sport. If bowling is causing pain, not just the soreness that accompanies getting stronger, something is wrong.

I agree with J.A. If your arm is hurting that bad, something is wrong. Over in another post, you said you throw with "extremely high ball speed and extremely high revs" .

A Guess is your muscling the ball too much, you dont have to throw at what 20-25+mph and crank 400-500 revs to make the right ball for the condition to work.