The 10 strangest Olympic sports
Basketball, track and swimming have been staples at the Olympics for decades, drawing thousands of spectators. But solo synchronized swimming or live pigeon shooting? They are among the strangest events that have, at one time or another, taken place at the Games.
Here are the 10 oddest sports that have graced the modern Olympics -- some will feature at London 2012 over the coming weeks, some thankfully will not...
SOLO SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING
Oxymoron alert! Yes, this sport features one female swimmer synchronizing with herself. The sport made its debut in the Los Angeles Games in 1984, with U.S. swimmer Tracie Ruiz winning the gold medal.
Similar to the group event, a swimmer performs a kind of water ballet. A lonely water ballet.
Despite the seemingly misleading title, organizers of the sport say the swimmer is actually in sync with the music.
Will we see this sport in London?
No. But there will be the team synchronized swimming events that most people are familiar with. The solo event was discontinued after 1992.
CLUB SWINGING
Club Swinging debuted in 1904. The athlete stands erect, holding clubs that resemble bowling pins in each hand. He then twirls and whirls them around. The more complicated the routine, the more points he wins.
Historians say the sport was the precursor to rhythmic gymnastic events that use ribbons and hoops.
Will we see this sport in London?
No. Sadly. Club Swinging was only in the Olympics twice, ending in 1932.
