12 Bizarre Olympic Events That Actually Happened
Over the years, the Olympics have featured some truly strange events—some hilarious, some dangerous, and some just downright confusing.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
While today’s Olympics are all about traditional sports, the past saw some truly bizarre competitions take center stage. From live pigeon shooting to tug-of-war, these events sound more like carnival games than serious athletic contests. Here are 12 of the weirdest Olympic events that actually happened.
1. Live Pigeon Shooting (1900)
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Yes, this was a real Olympic event. Instead of clay targets, actual pigeons were released mid-air for shooters to take down. Nearly 300 birds were killed before organizers realized it wasn’t the best idea.
2. Tug-of-War (1900-1920)
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This was once an intense Olympic showdown, not just for recess. Teams of eight battled to pull their opponents over a line, often wearing everyday work clothes.
3. Swimming Obstacle Course (1900)
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As if swimming wasn’t hard enough, competitors had to climb over boats, swim under logs, and deal with unpredictable currents. Held in the Seine River, the event was part endurance test, part survival challenge.
4. Solo Synchronized Swimming (1984-1992)
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How can you be synchronized if you’re alone? That was the biggest question in this unusual Olympic event. Athletes performed routines to music, “syncing” with an imaginary partner.
5. Rope Climbing (1896-1932)
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Before pull-up bars were a gym staple, rope climbing was a full-fledged Olympic event. Contestants scrambled up a long rope using only their arms, with speed and style being judged.
6. Plunge for Distance (1904)
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This event was basically an underwater long jump. Athletes dove into a pool and floated motionless, seeing how far they could drift. There was no technique, just holding your breath and hoping for momentum.
7. Running Deer Shooting (1908-1924)
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No real deer were harmed this time. Competitors shot at a moving deer-shaped target that zipped across the range. It was an early version of biathlon but lacked the same excitement.
8. Motorboating (1908)
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This was the only Olympic event in which machines did most of the work. Drivers raced motorboats through choppy waters, but bad weather made it nearly impossible to follow.
9. Pistol Dueling (1906 Intercalated Games)
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Instead of real fights, competitors shot at mannequins dressed in frock coats from 20 paces away. The goal was accuracy, not survival.
10. Horse Long Jump (1900)
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Like the human long jump but with horses, this event had riders launching their steeds as far as possible. The winning distance was just over 20 feet, barely farther than human jumpers today.
11. Hot Air Ballooning (1900)
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In one of the strangest Olympic events ever, competitors raced and performed aerial maneuvers in hot air balloons. It was more of a rich man’s hobby than an athletic challenge.
12. Club Swinging (1904-1932)
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This event was a strange mix of gymnastics and juggling. Athletes swung heavy clubs in intricate patterns. It was meant to showcase grace and coordination but mostly looked like fancy baton twirling.