With all certainty, the process of getting your sport recognized as Olympic is complicated. Baton twirling is not only a sport, it is also an art much like figure skating and gymnastics; twirling is judged in a similar manner. While twirling is a performance sport and judged accordingly, scoring includes: Difficulty, variety of tricks, technique, gracefulness and flow of the routine, and showmanship. There is no final lap or finish line, just an athlete showcasing a talent that encompasses concentration, physical exertion, music interpretation, dance, gymnastics, coordination and grace.
Individual twirlers as well as twirling teams work very hard at their chosen sport. It would be a tribute to the sport if it could be viewed by millions during the Olympic games.
I 100% agree that baton needs to be an Olympic sport. It is obvious the kind of dedication these athletes give to their sport and it deserves a spot in the games. Thanks For your blog and great support of baton twirling.
By: whit on November 18, 2009
at 3:43 pm
This is an intersesting and informative article and I have often wondered myself why baton twirling isn’t an Olympic sport. The video of the Japanese team is amazing and it illustrates just how skilled the elite baton twirling athletes are.
By: Camille Leonardo on November 18, 2009
at 10:38 pm
The world team video is amazing and I believe shows why baton twirling is a SPORT that should be recognized. Many mention dedication, but what about endurance, adversity, and the ability to physically do what is required. In many respects it is similar to other sports that have been recognized in the last several years such as rhythmic gymnastics, the duet swimming events, etc. Those sports also had to prove “worthy” to the Olympic committee. Twirlers need to unite to show that Baton twirling is WORTHY of being a sport in the Olympic games!
Awesome blog!
By: Ann Marie on November 18, 2009
at 11:43 pm
I have waited my whole life to see baton twirling become an olympic sport! Baton twirling is certainly an Olympic-worthy sport. I would happily encourage and support any efforts to increase the growth and awareness of baton twirling around the world. We could all start by working together more and think in bigger more long range terms.
By: Christine Zoll on November 19, 2009
at 1:32 pm