English campaign for jousting to feature at Olympics

Now English Heritage has launched a campaign to get jousting recognised as an Olympic sport – and where better than in the splendid setting of Dover Castle?

The charity is asking the public to sign a petition to that effect, and has made initial approaches to the FEI and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

A new campaign by English Heritage aims to secure a place at the Olympics for one of the oldest equestrian sports in the world.

Also related: Jousting is not recognized or governed by any worldwide sport federation, the first requirement for a legitimate Olympic bid.

The activity is one of the oldest equestrian sports in the world and involves competitors wearing 44lb (20kg) of armour holding a 12ft (3.7m) lance and racing on horseback towards their opponents at a gallop of up to 30mph.

EH says jousters need “the same level of athleticism and agility, skill and strength as numerous would-be Olympic medal winners heading to Rio this summer”.

An EH spokesman said: “Jousting shares similar attributes to sports already featured at the Olympic Games, from fencing to equestrian disciplines such as dressage and eventing”.

Members of English Heritage have said they accept that any road to the Olympics for the jousting event would be a long one, but said it has worldwide appeal with jousting tournaments held in countries from Belgium to New Zealand.

The International Olympic committee are now encouraging countries to put forward innovative ideas for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, the host city having already put forward karate, skateboarding, sports climbing, surfing and baseball/softball. Skateboarding, climbing and surfing are all reportedly under consideration. “And just like the Olympic British equestrian team, we ride handsome horses to an exceptional level”.

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With competition timetables being expected to be settled up for the Tokyo Games in the coming years, jousting’s time may be running out. A recognised global jousting federation would need to be established and world championships held.