Have you ever wondered what sports truly deserve to be in the Olympics? With the 2020 Olympics postponed last year, you might be feeling that competitive itch a little more than usual, leaving absolutely no room for lousy sports in the Olympics.

The Prowl conducted an informal survey of teachers and students, who were asked to rate on a 1- 10 scale (1 being the best) which sports deserve a spot in the games. Below are the results: 

10. Cooking. This might not be seen as a sport to most, but cooking truly requires a ton of skill and energy. If cooking was considered an Olympic sport, imagine the different types of cultural dishes that could be shared with people from around the world. More food for everyone.

9. Uno. This one speaks for itself. The competitive nature of this game is already on par with any Olympic event. 

8. LeapFrog. Another children’s game that could easily be transformed into an Olympic Sport. “I think it would be pretty funny to watch old people play LeapFrog,” PHS senior Emery Terry said. A LeapFrog relay would be a great addition to the many other absurd variations of relays on display at the Olympic games.

7. Lawn Darts. This backyard extravaganza was banned in the United States due to the danger presented by throwing pieces of plastic with long pointed needles into the ground … but you know what else that sounds like? You guessed it: javelin. Lawn Darts, however, should have a secure spot in the Olympic games. 

6. Hide and Seek. Ahh… the good ol’ days of the competitive children’s game that everybody knows how to play. The game requires stealth as well as athleticism. If Hide and Seek was ever given the opportunity to be in the Olympics, it would simply be one of the most entertaining games of all time. As PHS science teacher Mr. Sean Munger said, “It’s like the Hunger Games, but nobody dies.”

5. Unicycle Juggling. Who wouldn’t pay hundreds of dollars to watch Olympic unicycle juggling? This is an immaculate skill that most people definitely can’t do. Race walking and a swimming obstacle course have both been deemed as an Olympic Sport, so who’s to say that unicycle juggling isn’t in our near future?

4. Cornhole. Now this is summer fun; it truly brings the barbeque together. “Cornhole has set rules; it’s very cut and dry, but still fun to watch,” PHS science teacher Mrs. Lenita Moore said. I couldn’t have put it better myself: this is exactly why Cornhole should absolutely have a spot in the summer Olympics this year. 

3. Tag.  Elementary nostalgia. The game that started all the drama, and a perfect fit for the Olympics.

2. Four Square. This classic middle school recess game brings back so many memories. Of course in the Olympics, spiking the ball would have to be allowed (Sorry to the Powell Middle School P.E. coach, Mr. Crosby Tajan).

1. Capture the Flag. This one truly takes the cake. As PHS math teacher Mrs. Cathy McKenzie said, “Capture the flag deserves the top spot in the Olympics because it’s competitive, requires strategy and teamwork. Yeah, I’d definitely pay money for that.”

It’s disappointing that not one of these sports has made its debut into the Olympic Games, but only time will tell whether they are truly deserving of a spot or not. Stay tuned.