ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the historical relationship between action sports and the Olympic Games. It offers three case studies of the historical inclusion of windsurfing, snowboarding, and BMX, respectively, into the Olympic Games, and reveals the nuanced power relations within and between these groups and organisations. We illustrate that, while there are patterns across various action sports and their relationship with the Olympic Movement, there were also unique differences based on the distinctive histories, environments, geographies, identities, and development patterns of each action sport, as well as the broader socio-cultural-political context. Importantly, this chapter offers the contextual background necessary for understanding the ever-changing power struggles involved in more recent attempts to modernise the Olympic Games via the incorporation of more action sports.
