Olympic sports jostle for new places on Rio 2016 programme

The likes of 3x3 basketball and BMX freestyle are in contention for a spot at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) sports director Christophe Dubi.

With the IOC currently assessing the possibility of adding extra events, teams and athletes for Rio 2016, Dubi told the Associated Press that sports federations have been “extremely creative” with their requests. “All of them believe that adding something will be fantastic for their sport,” said Dubi. “We look at it from the other angle: Will that bring, or not, an added value to the Olympic Games?”

Rio 2016 is currently slated to award 306 gold medals across 28 sports with a maximum of 10,700 athletes – a rise from London 2012’s 302 medals in 26 sports with golf and rugby sevens joining the Olympic Programme. The IOC is set to make a final decision on additional events on August 9, with Dubi seeking an impact similar to that enjoyed by London 2012’s debutants. “Women's boxing was incredibly successful, and in mixed doubles of tennis, the quality of the field was extraordinary,” he said.

Dubi said the IOC has options to add “radically new events” in Rio, with some designed for youth audiences. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has been pushing its three-a-side half-court concept, while the International Cycling Union (UCI) proposes adding street-style BMX and a mountain bike eliminator. “You have new properties that are not mainstream yet outside of the Olympics, but where the Olympics could give a boost,” said Dubi.

However, it is the International Aquatics Federation (FINA) that boasts the most requests, and in a more traditional format. FINA is seeking 50-metre medal events in backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly for men and women, plus 800 freestyle for men and 1,500 free for women. Dubi pointed to swimming’s “super-high” television ratings, adding: “Is it totally different? No, but it's important as well. Every time you put it on TV there is consumption.” FINA also seeks more entrants in women's water polo, open-water swimming, diving and the synchronised swimming team event.

Source