Could you medal at being a dork? Video games at Olympics?

[underpants]

Video games push for Olympic recognition
Global Gaming League talking with China to bring competitive gaming to the Beijing 2008 games


http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/31/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - A mouse, keyboard and/or Xbox controller don't seem like the standard gear of an Olympic athlete, but Ted Owen wants to change that.

Owen, who runs the Global Gaming League (GGL), a media company focused on the lifestyle and culture of gaming, is currently talking with the Chinese government in hopes of bringing competitive video gaming to the 2008 Games as a demonstration sport.


Admittedly, it's an uphill battle. Even if you can look past the lack of physical skills necessary to play video games, the Olympics haven't had any sort of demonstration sport since 1992 - and Olympic experts say there has been no movement to bring them back.

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

1. Blech, that's a terrible idea.

The Olympics are commercialized enough as it is.

Besides, the really popular video games already have a thriving competitive community. The people who actually play these games neither need nor want this kind of mainstream exposure.

[matcom]

2. that's dumb but....

i'm REALLY looking forward to the Olympic Bridge Matches at the next one :eyes:

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

4. Canada took gold in '02.

Of course, in order to save materials costs, the medals themselves are made of rubber.

[Kickoutthejams23]

3. I have two words

Synchronized Swimming

[Katina]

5. I have seen

Olympic level synchroswimming in person. The swimmers are highly trained athletes. You don't have to like it, but the training that goes into their competition (like figure skating, gymnastics & diving) is incredibly difficult.