London Times Article: Skateboarding Olympic status

From Times Online
June 8, 2007
Skateboarding set for Olympic status
Is skateboarding the most unlikely Olympic sport of all time? Or would British bulldog be more appropriate for London 2012? Let us know your thoughts below
Times Online and Agencies
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/london_2012/article1905672.ece
"Goofy", "noseslide" and "frontside ollie" could all become household terms if the International Olympic Committee have their way, after welcoming a proposal from cycling to include skateboarding as an Olympic sport at the London 2012 games.
Talks on the introduction were held between the IOC, who are keen to appeal to young people, and the International Cycling Union (UCI) this week.
Emmanuelle Moreau, the IOC media relations manager, said "The IOC are very keen on having a programme that appeals to the youth and we said we would welcome such a proposal. The first step is for the UCI to include skateboarding themselves and then make a formal proposal to the IOC. It is possible for skateboarding to be at the Games in London - in terms of timescale it would be feasible."
Skateboarding is likely to find a home in the velodrome in the Olympic Park and organisers say they will erect a number of 'half-pipes', in which skateboarders perform their stunts.
Olivier Quejuiner, UCI director of sport, confirmed cycling's interest, saying: "We are doing our best to introduce skateboarding for 2012.
"The venue could be wonderful. All we need now is the green light from the IOC. Technically, logistically and in terms of cost, it would not be a problem to stage the event in 2012."
The IOC's drive to interest the youth of the world has seen them introduce snowboarding to the Winter Olympics and BMX cycling to next year's summer Games in Beijing.
By becoming part of the cycling union, skateboarding would get a 'back-door' entry to the Games as a discipline rather than a new sport.
Rugby sevens and golf have both failed in their campaigns to be included and seven year's notice is needed for new Olympic sports. New disciplines only require three years' notice, however.
A London 2012 spokesman said any new sport or discipline was a matter for the IOC.