If you can't measure it objectively ...

[sunny-dave]

The Olympic Motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius (faster/higher/stronger) ... which implies that you should be able to accurately measure and/or objectively decide who has won. So athletics, swimming, boxing etc are obviously OK.

But what about activities which are wholly 'subjective' in their assessment of excellence?

I have no problem understanding the beauty and physicality of (say) the gymnastics - but is it truly an Olympic sport?

[sir.prize]

I can understand your views, but gymnastics were contested in Athens in 1896 - and have been ever since. However, I feel that the Equestrian events are not appropriate for the Olympics. The other 25 sports at London 2012 are purely human endeavours - not animals.

[Maydup]

I don't think there are many sports that require more strength than our gynmasts on their various apparatus.

It would be easier of they didn't have to rely on a judges score I agree but it doesn't make it any less of a sport. Lets be honest, they are stronger and more athletic than the archers for example. (Nothing against archers, everyone in the games deserves to be there, I'm just using them in a defensive argument!)

[sunny-dave]

I wasn't picking on the gymnasts in particular - just happened to use them as an example.

I don't have a fixed view on this, just musing aloud really - and I wouldn't want anyone to be deprived of taking part in the Olympics

[rojash]

You seem to be confusing a motto with a set of rules.

[Maydup]

Well muse away dave, but isn't boxing decided by points too?

Nothing subjective about any of the sports really once you know the scoring criteria.

[bigbadmarty]

I can see your point , dave . Subjective judgement will always have some personal element whereas you can't argue with a stopwatch or tape measure .

[sunny-dave]

Yes - boxing was a poor example - and a contentious one too I suspect.

As you say, if the scoring protocols are tight enough and the judges are impartial then the degree of subjectivity reduces quite considerably anyway.

[doctordb]

Ballroom dancing wouldn't look out of place when compared to synchronised swimming and diving.

[DTCwordfan]

yes, gymnastics was a crucial part of early Olympics apparently - as was the poetry contributions..... by the way the motto for the Castle Olympics is different (see last MOFC), "Citius, Pronus, Fortius"

[puternut]

Then again there are 'sports' like horse dressage!

The points are awarded - as far as I can tell - on the grace and poise of horse and rider.

OK I acknowledge probably hours of preparation but a) Is this a sport? b) Isn't it simply subjective by the judges? and c) isnt 50% down to the animal?

[bibblebub]

chariot racing - fine
some ponce in a top hat on a horse that prances in slow motion - no