Olympic Sports That Were Removed

Solo Synchronized Swimming

A puzzling event where athletes performed solo routines to music—removed after 1992.

Tug of War Was an Olympic Event

Part of the Olympics from 1900 to 1920, it was a team event that’s now seen as outdated.

Live Pigeon Shooting in 1900

This controversial event involved killing birds and was quickly removed after public backlash.

Rope Climbing for Speed

Athletes climbed a rope as fast as possible—last seen in 1932 due to its limited athletic appeal.

Croquet Had a Brief Appearance

Included only in 1900, croquet failed to gain popularity and was never seen again.

Pistol Dueling Was Once Real

In 1906, participants shot at mannequins in dueling fashion. It was dropped for being too bizarre.

Motorboating in 1908

Machines did the work in this short-lived event. It was removed for lacking human athletic effort.