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Is Bowling an Olympic Sport? Is 10 Pin Bowling an Olympic Sport?

Olympic program and bowling alleys symbols are together

No sport is more quintessentially American than bowling. Even if you’re not a bowler, you should learn more about this fascinating and intense competitive sport. The topic of whether bowling is an Olympic sport is a debated one.

Some say that it doesn’t meet the qualifications, while others feel that it does. This blog post will explore both sides of the argument and provide evidence to support each viewpoint. After reading this post, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether or not bowling should be considered for inclusion in the Olympics.

So lace up your shoes and get ready to bowl!

Is Bowling an Olympic Sport?

No. Bowling is not an Olympic sport, but it is a popular sport in the Special Olympics. It was considered for inclusion in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics but ultimately lost out to baseball and softball.

Reasons cited for its exclusion included the lack of international appeal and competition, as well as the sport’s perceived low level of athleticism. Nevertheless, bowling professionals competed in bowling leagues around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Bowling industry lobbied long and hard to have bowling included as a sport with olympic rings

Why Is Bowling Not an Olympic Sport?

Bowling is a sport that dates back thousands of years, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. There were discussions in 2013 for it to be included in the 2020 Olympics, but the idea was declined in 2015 by the International Olympic Committee. While bowling is a widely popular sport, it is not currently an Olympic sport. There are a number of reasons why this may be the case.

For one, bowling has only been around for a relatively short time. It was first developed in the 19th century, and it did not gain widespread popularity until the mid-20th century. In contrast, many of the other sports in the Olympics have been around and popular for centuries.

In addition, bowling is primarily enjoyed in a handful of countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan. There are also far fewer professional bowlers than there are athletes in other sports. As a result, it may be difficult to justify bowling’s inclusion in the Olympics. 

Finally, some have argued that bowling is not truly a sport. Unlike other sports, it does not require athleticism or physical prowess. Instead, it is primarily a test of accuracy and precision. While this argument may be debatable, it is clear that bowling faces an uphill battle in becoming an Olympic sport.

Some of the Top Bowlers in the World and Their Accomplishments

When most people think of bowling, they picture a leisurely activity enjoyed with friends or family. However, for professional bowlers, the sport is a serious business. These athletes dedicate hours to perfecting their craft, and the competition is fierce. 

So who are the top bowlers in the world? That depends on how you measure success. If you’re looking at raw numbers, then the answer is clear: Australian Jason Belmonte is the world’s best tenpin bowler. He’s 38 years old and turned professional about 12 years ago. He is said to have earned over $1M in prize money for his many bowling high scores.

Pete Weber holds the record for the most career titles, with more than 200 wins to his name. But if you’re more interested in winning percentage, then Jason Belmonte is the bowler to watch. 

This Australian star has won an impressive 41% of the tournaments he’s entered over the course of his career. He is a two-time PBA Player of the Year and has won ten PBA titles, including four major championships. In 2014, he became the first bowler in history to win two majors in a single season.

Australian Jason Belmonte is the world’s best tenpin bowler | ABC News

Next is America’s Walter Ray Williams Jr. He is a three-time PBA Player of the Year and has won an astonishing 47 PBA titles, including 10 major championships. Williams holds the record for most career earnings on the PBA Tour, with over $4 million in prize money. He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2005 and is currently part owner of his own pro shop called Walter Ray’s Lanes & Games.

Regardless of how you rank them, there’s no doubt that these athletes are among the best in the world at what they do.

Should Bowling Be an Olympic Sport – Why Should Bowling Be an Olympic Sport?

Today, there are more than 100 million people who regularly bowl, making it one of the most popular sports in the world. Despite its popularity, bowling has never been an Olympic sport, and the reasons are as given above. However, there are several compelling reasons why bowling should be an Olympic sport. 

  • First, it is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. This makes it accessible to a wide range of people, which is one of the key criteria for Olympic sports. 
  • It is also a sport that requires skill, strategy, precision, and stamina, and it can be very competitive.
  • Bowling is also a relatively low-impact sport, so it is unlikely to cause injuries.
  • Moreover, bowling is a popular sport in many countries, and it would provide a unique opportunity for countries such as the United States to compete against each other on the world stage. 
  • Finally, bowling is already a popular sport with a large following, which would make it a surefire hit with viewers if it were to be added to the Olympic lineup.

While there are no guarantees that bowling will become an Olympic sport anytime soon, there is definitely potential for it to become part of the Games in the future. If the International Olympic Committee is truly committed to promoting sports that are accessible and inclusive, then they should consider adding bowling to the Olympics’ roster.

Competitive Nature of Bowling

Though it may not seem like it at first glance, bowling is a highly competitive sport. Professional bowlers take the game very seriously and spend hours practicing their form and technique. At the highest level, bowling is a test of precision and control, and even the slightest mistake can mean the difference between winning and losing. 

In addition to physical ability, mental focus is also essential in bowling. Top bowlers are able to block out distractions and remain calm under pressure. This single-minded focus allows them to execute their shots with precision and consistency. 

For many bowlers, the challenge of competition is what keeps them coming back to the lanes again and again.

Bowling in World Tournaments

Bowling is a sport that has been around for centuries, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and nationalities. While most people bowling is a fun pastime, there is a competitive side to the sport as well. In fact, it was a part of the Olympics in 1988 Summer Olympic Games, where bowlers from all over the world competed in tournaments to try to become the world champion.

The first recorded bowling world tournament took place in1990s during the Paralympics. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, and there are now tournaments taking place all over the world but not in the Olympics.  Another prestigious tournament is bowling in the commonwealth games, organized by the World Tenpin Bowling Association World Championships in 1998.

This tournament attracted the best bowlers from all over the globe, and it was always hotly contested.

A bowler with high crank style rolling a strike in the special olympics
Air Force Bowling, part of the U.S. Federal Government, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Was Bowling an Olympic Sport?

Yellow urethane bowling balls on synthetic lanes at the bowling center

Yes, bowling was an Olympic sport.

It was first introduced as a demonstration event in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and then became an official medal event in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It was then removed from the program because it was not considered a “true” sport by the Olympic Committee.

Is Bowling a Sport?

Bowling lane approach and ball return

While Bowling may not be considered an official sport by the International Olympic Committee, it is widely recognized as a sport by many organizations, including the American Sportscasters Association, Special Olympics, and Sporting News.

According to these organizations, bowling meets the requirements of a sport because it is competitive, physically demanding, and governed by official rules. 

Is Bowling Part of the Winter Olympics?

Red bowling ball on lane

No, bowling is not currently a part of the Winter Olympics.

There have been a few petitions to include it as an official sport, but so far, nothing has come of it. Part of the reason bowling isn’t in the Winter Olympics is that most nations don’t have significant competitive teams for the sport. For a sport to be included in the games, there must be a decent number of countries represented who can compete at a high level – and unfortunately for bowlers, this just isn’t the case. 

Is Bowling a Team Sport?

Choosing and creating a bowling team

Yes, bowling is a team sport.

A team can be composed of one or more players. The objective of the game is to roll a ball down a lane and knock over as many pins as possible. A team of bowlers takes turns throwing a ball down a lane in an attempt to knock over as many pins as possible. The team with the most pins knocked down at the end of the game wins.

Is Bowling a Competitive Sport?

Woman bowling and friends cheering

Yes. Bowling is considered a competitive sport by many people because it involves hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and physical fitness.

Professional bowlers make a living by competing in tournaments and winning prize money. There are also many amateur bowlers who compete in local, regional, and national tournaments for the love of the game. So, yes, bowling is considered a sport by many people.

What is Scratch Bowling?

How many points is a strike and spare in bowling

Scratch bowling is a bowling format where the team’s pin count is the actual score that the team earns.

There are no handicaps in scratch bowling, so teams compete on an even playing field. In order to score points in scratch bowling, you must knock all of the pins down with each ball. If you leave any pins standing, those pins are not scored, and your turn is over.

Which 5 Sports Are Not In The Olympics

Olympic rings

1. Bowling 2. Darts 3. Polo 4. Squash 5. Cricket

Related Articles

Bowling is considered a sport by some and an activity by others. It has been featured as a demonstration sport in the Summer Olympics, but it has not yet been accepted as a full-fledged Olympic Sport. The International Olympic Committee will continue to review the application for bowling to become an Olympic Sport, and we will keep you updated on any news related to that process. 

In the meantime, enjoy bowling! Whether or not it becomes an Olympic Sport, it’s still a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and sharpen your focus and precision.