In 2013, Thomas Bach succeeded Jacques Rogge as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He made it clear that the Olympic Games needed to adapt to stay relevant. Even though the London 2012 Olympics drew a record-breaking global audience of 3.6 billion, the IOC noticed a troubling trend: the 18-24 demographic was losing interest, and that had to change.
To address this issue, Bach launched Agenda 2020 in December 2014, outlining 40 proposed reforms to modernize the Games. At the 127th IOC Session in Monaco, Bach said, “The success of yesterday means nothing for today. If we do not drive these changes ourselves, others will drive us to them. We want to be the leaders of change, not the object of change.” His goal was to inject fresh energy into the Games, attracting a younger audience. The new plan allowed Olympic hosts to propose sports that would resonate with local audiences, with a cap of 10,500 athletes. This opened the door for lesser-known sports to step into the Olympic spotlight.
After the IOC unanimously approved these proposals, emerging sports organizations saw a unique opportunity to join the Olympic family. Bach closed his address by quoting Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, saying, “Courage and hope! Charge boldly through the clouds and do not be afraid. The future belongs to you.” But what would it take for lesser-known sports to clear the clouds and reach Olympic glory?
The answer lies in finding sports that resonate with a modern audience. Ultimate Frisbee, a sport that traces its roots back to college students tossing pie tins, is one such contender. The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) oversees national associations in 107 countries, with an estimated 10 million players worldwide. Ultimate is a seven-a-side team sport that combines elements of American football, basketball, and soccer, and has been a fixture at the World Games, a showcase for non-Olympic sports, for more than 20 years.
Robert ‘Nob’ Rauch, president of WFDF, is confident that ultimate would be a great fit for the Olympics. “We are brilliantly designed for the Olympic Games,” he says from his home in Cologne. Ultimate features mixed-gender teams, a unique aspect that aligns with the Olympic spirit. In ultimate, players call their own fouls and resolve conflicts without referees, a system that encourages sportsmanship and respect. British ultimate veteran Tom Abrams believes this system reduces cheating, as players are forced to be fair and objective.
Another emerging sport with Olympic ambitions is teqball, a football-based game played on a curved table, combining elements of table tennis and sepak takraw. Viktor Huszar, the chairman and co-founder of the International Teqball Federation (FITEQ), developed the sport in his garage. Since its debut in Budapest in 2016, teqball has gained significant momentum, partly due to the support of football legends like Ronaldinho, who serve as ambassadors. Teqball has a strong social media presence and has made its way into multi-sport events under the IOC’s umbrella, including the European Games and the Asian Beach Games. Huszar believes that teqball’s appeal to younger audiences aligns with the IOC’s goals.
Both ultimate and teqball offer unique elements that could make them strong contenders for Olympic inclusion. Ultimate’s mixed-gender teams and self-officiating approach promote sportsmanship and equality, while teqball’s fast-paced action and star-studded ambassadors make it a hit among younger audiences. As the Olympic movement continues to evolve, these sports might find their place among the famous five rings.
