Travel Sports that SHOULD be in the Olympics

You’re welcome Olympics Committee!

There are currently 35 sports and 205 countries represented in the Olympics this year yet there is still a feeling that not all of us are accounted for. Nomads and culture enthusiasts would appreciate seeing a little more edge with their sport. Since the Olympics are all about strength, agility and endurance, here’s a few travel sports that need to be up for bid at the next International Committee meeting.

Running of the Bulls

If you ask me, the Olympics could use a little more animal instincts. And the annual Encierro de San Fermín is a good start for inspiration. The running of the bulls is as competitive as it gets with local athletes who have been training and running since age 3. And you can’t beat the live action, not only because of the bulls, but the tourists who take part in the festivities change the course of scenery in what’s traditionally known as a quiet side of Spain (which is what you could say for the areas dislocated by the Olympic madness).

The Stats

Four minutes from the first rocket to the end of the encierro

The length of the run is 825 metres (902 yards to Americanos)

The event starts at 8:00a.m. every morning from July 7th until the 14th (runners show up at 7:00a.m.)

Athlete Qualifications

Must be 18 or older to participate (not always enforced)

Don’t distract or be distracted easily

Don’t run the route under the influence of being wasted

Boomerang Throwing

No, it’s not an animal! Boomerang throwing is the proud sport of the Aussies and the skills in endurance and accuracy are surely Olympic worthy. A boomerang is that tough piece of curved wood that has become an Australian staple. Boomerangs originate from the Aboriginals who used the tools for fighting, hunting and entertainment. Today, there’s a ‘Boomerang World Cup‘ and many other international competitions throughout the year.

The Stats

A boomerang and an Aussie, David Schummy set the world record for the longest throw of 1,401.5 ft

Boomerang Association of Australia has proposed the next world championships for 2014 in Perth

Athlete Qualifications

Need a high-tech plastic boomerang for competition

The boomerang must travel at least 20 meters from the thrower

Different techniques and tools are necessary for non-returning boomerangs and returning boomerangs

Urban Skiing

Don’t get me wrong, skiing is exciting as is, but to attract the average nomad the Olympic sport could use more of an unorthodox element. Deciding committee, we give you urban skiing- bringing skiing to the city streets. You can catch international athletes from British Columbia, Canada to Oblast, Russia performing wild stunts in unusual urban environments.

The Stats

The guys to follow in this extreme sport are the Nipwitz crew

The sport has been in rapid growth since the late 1990s

We’re getting somewhere- Slopestyle is approved for the 2014 Olympics

Athlete Qualifications

Years of experience skiing (for everyone’s sake)

You’ll need All-Mountain, Park and Powder skis

There’s plenty of urban dangers so be prepared

Free Running

The Olympics has enough running in circles and over hurdles to make me dizzy. Travelers and street sports enthusiasts have found an alternative that combines running with acrobatic skills. Free Running quickly becomes a favorite amongst spectators because of the superhero capabilities that the athletes appear to posses. The strength, flexibility and balance needed to coordinate some of the moves are jaw-dropping. The object of the game is to find the fastest way from point A to Point B, even if you have to climb, flip and roll over your obstacles.

The Stats

Also goes by Parkour

Developed in France by David Belle

Ninjutsu is the sport’s martial arts cousin

Athlete Qualifications 

Gymnastic experience

Understanding of gravity, momentum and weight redistribution

Uniform- light, comfortable clothes and running shoes

Cheese Rolling

Don’t let the name fool you – this sport is for the fearless (which is probably why it’s held in the UK). The competition starts at the top of a steep hill with the roll of a big ball of cheese as the kick-off. Where’s the danger in that? The cheese is followed by rolling athletes hurdling uncontrollably towards the finish line.

The Olympics officials might not like the number of injuries that can come from this sport, but the locals who carry the annual Cheese Rolling at Cooper’s Hill will continue the tradition without “official” support (and they have). The local municipality tried to shut it down in 2010 and 2011, but the races have taken place without supervision. 2012 had an estimated 2000 people at the top of the hill. “No-one’s going to stop us doing it. They say it’s not official but we are all Brockworth people and we’re running the cheese today so it is official. We strongly believe in it,” former winner Helen Thorpe in May 2011.

The Stats

The kids have an uphill race while women and men race separately

The round of Double Gloucester cheese can pick up to speeds of 70mph

Chris Anderson from Brockworth is the man to beat, winning two races in 2012

Athlete Qualifications

Must be an adult to participate (but when are rules ever fully enforced)

The object is to catch the cheese but the first tumbler over the finish line wins

Must have balls for the pain you will endure

And bringing a helmet sounds like a great idea

Know some more Travel Sports that need to be included in the Olympics? Let us know in the comments below.