OLYMPIC SPORT Meaning and
Definition
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Olympic sport is a term used to reference any sports or disciplines that are officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are included in the program of the Olympic Games. These sports are organized and regulated by International Federations (IFs) that govern the rules and standards for competition.
To be recognized as an Olympic sport, a discipline must fulfill various criteria established by the IOC, such as having a widespread global presence, being practiced by both men and women in numerous countries, and complying with anti-doping regulations. The sport must also demonstrate fair play, integrity, and adhere to the Olympic values of respect, excellence, and friendship.
Olympic sports cover a wide range of activities, including traditional sports such as athletics, swimming, and gymnastics, as well as more contemporary sports like snowboarding, skateboarding, and sport climbing that have been introduced to adapt to changing trends and appeal to new audiences. These sports are showcased in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games and provide athletes with the opportunity to represent their countries and compete for the ultimate sporting honor - an Olympic medal.
Participating in an Olympic sport requires substantial training, skill, and dedication. Olympians undergo years of rigorous preparation, striving to achieve their personal best and to excel on the world's grandest stage. The inclusion of a sport in the Olympic program not only establishes its global recognition and prestige but also serves as a catalyst for its development and promotion worldwide.
Etymology of OLYMPIC SPORT
The word "Olympic" comes from the ancient Greek city of Olympia, located in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece. In ancient times, Olympia was the site of the Olympic Games, a major sporting event held every four years to honor the Greek god Zeus. The Olympics were first recorded in 776 BCE and continued for over a thousand years until they were abolished in the 4th century CE.
The term "sport" originates from the Old French word "desport" meaning "leisure" or "amusement". It further evolved from the Latin word "disportare" meaning "to carry away" or "to divert".
Therefore, the term "Olympic sport" refers to any sport or athletic event that is officially recognized and included in the modern Olympic Games, which were revived in 1896 in Athens, Greece.
