Yes , pistol duelling was an Olympian sport — like , people actually shooting at each other . For merriment .

1.Tug of War (1900-1920)

2.Solo Synchronized Swimming (1984-1992)

3.Lifesaving (1900)

4.Ski Ballet (1988-1992)

5.Hot Air Ballooning (1900)

6.Painting and Sculpture (1912-1948)

7.Pigeon Shooting (1900)

8.Running Deer Shooting (1908-1948)

9.Rope Climbing (1896-1932)

10.Obstacle Course Swimming Race (1900)

11.Distance Diving (1904)

12.Dumbbell Contest (1904)

13.Pistol Duelling (1908)

14.Motor Boat Racing (1908)

15.Pole Archery (1900 and 1920)

16.Equestrian Vaulting (1920)

17.Croquet (1900)

Topic Page 2024 Summer Olympics Eli Lilly badge

Yes, pistol duelling was an Olympic sport — like, people actually shooting at each other. For fun.

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Black and white photo of a tug-of-war competition at the 1920 Olympics, with spectators in the background and athletes pulling on opposite sides of a rope

A synchronized swimmer in a red swimsuit performs a routine, smiling and raising one arm, with a swimming pool and lane divider visible in the background

A lifeguard in red shorts stands in shallow water, holding a yellow surf rescue board. The image focuses on the lower body and the rescue board

Historical photo of a crowd gathered around a large hot air balloon prepared for launch

A woman in an artist's studio paints on a canvas. She is wearing a denim shirt, brown apron, and holding a palette and brush. The background shows art supplies

People with number tags (55, 57, 62) participate in a shooting competition, standing in line and aiming at targets. Spent cartridges cover the ground

A vintage black-and-white photograph shows Boles, U.S.A., aiming a rifle outdoors, dated 1921. He is dressed in military uniform with a wide-brimmed hat

A person in athletic wear climbs a rope in a gym setting, with two other individuals exercising in the background

Inflatable water park with various obstacles and slides floating on the ocean near a sandy beach

Five swimmers diving into a pool in unison, creating splashes as they enter the water. The image captures them from an underwater perspective

A man in athletic attire is outside, swinging a heavy kettlebell on a sports field

I don’t know who the people in the image are. Three men in suits with pistols and fencing masks standing under awnings

A speedboat, labeled with the number 10, zooms across the water in a high-speed race against a backdrop of scenic cliffs

Three people shoot arrows into the air with bows during an outdoor archery event

A person in horseback riding gear is practicing vaulting moves on a horse led by a long line in an indoor arena

Close-up of a croquet mallet and a blue ball in a croquet hoop on a grassy lawn