Thursday, August 21, 2008

Discontinued Olympics

Duelling Pistol Shooting:
The duelling pistol event was held twice, in 1906 (at the Intercallated Games - not officially recognized by the IOC) and 1912. This event required competitors to shoot at manniquins dressed in frock coats. There was a Bull's eye were on the dummy's throat. The event was held over 20 meters and 30 meters.
...and my favorite...

Live Pigeon Shooting:
Live Pigeon Shooting was held only once in Olympic history, in 1900. The object of this event was to shoot and kill as many birds as possible. This was the first and only time in Olympic history when animals were killed on purpose. The birds were released in front of a participant and the winner was the competitor who shot down the most birds from the sky. The participant was eliminated once they missed two birds. Nearly 300 birds were killed. The event turned out to be quite messy in the end with dead or injured birds on the ground and blood and feathers all over the place. An award of 20,000 Francs was the prize for the winner, though the top four finishers agreed to split the winnings.
"...turned out to be quite messy in the end..." I'm not laughing. That would be in poor taste. But later after I shut down the computer I might snicker a little bit.

2 comments:

  1. Live pigeon shooting was really big in England throughout the 19th century. I hate those flying rats so no sympathy from me.

    I think after pigeons they did the glass balls filled with down feathers then moved to clays.

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  2. Live pigeon shoots continue to this day in the good ole USA. They're quite discreet and you'd have to know someone to get in. They are expensive not just to enter but in the wagering that goes on as well.

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