Obscure Games & Events of the Past and Present
Jon Waiksnoris
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Today, the opening ceremony of the 33rd iteration of the summer games takes place. Flag bearers LeBron James and Coco Gauff will lead the USA onto the world’s stage. The upcoming events have inspired us to uncover some of the most obscure, quirky, and unusual events that have taken place in iterations past and present. Take a look at some of our favorites!
Solo Synchronized Swimming: If you’ve tuned into synchronized swimming you may be slightly confused by it, but you understand that the point is to be in sync with your teammates and fellow swimmers and dancers. Well, all that went out the window in 1984, 1988, and 1992 when solo synchronized swimming took place. Good luck being a judge of that event!
Plunge for Distance: Plunge for Distance, or “competitive floating,” is known as being the lamest event to ever take place at the games. In fact, any attempt at being athletic was strictly forbidden in this event. Competitors would dive into the water, surface, and lay flat and motionless, until they had to pick their heads up out of the water for air. Whoever floated the furthest was crowned the winner! But any attempts to swim or perform a move to float further would get you disqualified. Electric!
Tug of War: Most of us have probably taken place in a good, old tug of war bout of some kind. Whether it’s messing around with friends, playing with your dog, or participating in an athletic competition of the highest regard. Wait, what? Yes, tug of war used to take place during the games in the early 1900s.
Modern Pentathlon: In order to compete in the pentathlon event of today’s game, you must have a well-rounded skillset. This seemingly random and chaotic event requires competitors to compete in fencing, show jumping, pistol shooting, swimming, and running. You know, like your one annoying friend who’s good at everything.
Hot Air Ballooning: There have been a number of hot air balloon competitions that have taken place over the years, like distance traveled, altitude reached, even best photo taken from a hot air balloon. In 1900, French balloonist Henry de La Vaulx was crowned the winner of a distance competition, traveling his balloon 768 miles from Paris to Poland. When he finally landed, he was rewarded by being arrested for not filing a passport request.
The summer games are a great time to gather with friends and family, enjoy the events, and root for your favorite athletes. And no watch party is complete without the proper snacks and meal options. From catering and platter options, to snacks and beverages, we’re your one stop shop for enjoying this year’s games!