Copying this from another forum I frequent. I've wondered this myself, maybe someone here has the answer.
Original thread:
www.flyertalk.com/.../showthread.php
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Why isn't "swimming" a single event like "gymnastics" is?
I mean, you can get medals for the 100m butterfly, 400m relay, 200m backstroke (I don't know, I'm making those particular examples up); but the gymnasts don't get separate medals for hoops, uneven bars, floor exercise, etc.
tradition,
Not if you look here:
en.wikipedia.org/.../1896_Olympics
"There were three open events (men's 100 metre freestyle, men's 500 metre freestyle, and men's 1200 metre freestyle), in addition to a special event open only to Greek sailors, all of which were held on the same day (April 11)"
Events are always added/removed from the Olympic games. I keep hearing rumblings from co-workers on why some swimming events aren't removed. Heck, how long did baseball last?
tradition,
Not if you look here:
en.wikipedia.org/.../1896_Olympics
"There were three open events (men's 100 metre freestyle, men's 500 metre freestyle, and men's 1200 metre freestyle), in addition to a special event open only to Greek sailors, all of which were held on the same day (April 11)"
Events are always added/removed from the Olympic games. I keep hearing rumblings from co-workers on why some swimming events aren't removed. Heck, how long did baseball last?
