Logan Scott of the MAIL&GUARDIAN looks at the strengths and weaknesses of sports which will not be contested in the Beijing Olympics.

Just two excerpts from Scott's article 'Some Sports Are Just Games':

Rugby Sevens
The faster and shorter version of the 15-man game has grown in popularity in recent years. Now a massive money-spinner, it attracts raucous crowds to stadiums across the world. The London organizers of the 2012 Olympics estimated that a two-day tournament with 12 countries would raise about £7,5 million. More than money, though, the sport would also bring with it the kind of headlines journalists drool over. With the sport giving tiny island nations such as Fiji and Samoa a chance, it's got Olympics written all over it.

DanceSport
The quickstep, rumba and waltz may not immediately seem like Olympic material, yet DanceSport has been accepted and registered by the IOC.
Though this does not mean contestants will soon be jiving up to the Olympic podium, the high level of skill and fitness needed by professional competitors attracts a large support base. Supporters will also argue that if rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming are acceptable, why not a competitive ballroom dance competition?

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