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Tetra Images/Alamy Stock Photo (Cheerleader); iStockPhoto/Getty Images (Bowling Pins, Pom-Pom); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)
Infographic,

Choose the Next Olympic Sport!

When a country hosts the Olympics, its leaders can suggest new sports for athletes to compete in. In 2028, the U.S. will host the Games. What sport would you add? Here are two ideas! 

By Gabby Bing
From the February 2026 Issue
Complexity Factors
  • Purpose
    This infographic asks students to consider the history, popularity, and downsides of two popular sports—bowling and cheerleading—to decide which one should be played in the next U.S.-hosted Olympic Games.
  • Structure
    The infographic is organized into two sections. Each section explains what the sport is, where it comes from, whether or not it is popular, the downsides of it becoming an Olympic competition, and a fun fact about it.
  • Language
    The language is mostly familiar and straightforward.
  • Knowledge Demands
    No prior knowledge is required. Ancient Egypt, President Harry S. Truman, and World War II are mentioned.

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Tetra Images/Alamy Stock Photo (Cheerleader); iStockPhoto/Getty Images (Bowling Pins, Pom-Pom); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)

Bowling

Bowling is played by rolling a heavy ball down a lane to knock over 10 pins. Players get two tries to knock them all down.

Ancient Egyptians were the first to bowl—at least 5,000 years ago. The sport has been a favorite in the U.S. since the 1800s.

Yes! There are about 100 million bowlers across 90 countries. Some play solo, some in teams!

Bowling is fun to play, but some people say it’s not as exciting to watch it on TV.

President Harry S. Truman had a bowling alley built in the White House in 1947. Another was added in 1973!

What is it?

Where does it come from? 

Is it popular?

Are there downsides? 

Fun fact!

Cheerleading

Cheerleading is a team sport in which athletes perform fast-paced dances with high-flying moves like backflips. 

Cheerleading began in the U.S. in the late 1800s as a way to pump up crowds at football games. 

Big time! There are more than 10 million cheerleaders across 120 countries. 

Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports in the U.S. Experts say more safety rules are needed to protect athletes.

Most cheerleaders were men until the 1940s, when many went to fight in World War II. Then women took the lead!

Write Now

Which sport would you add to the Olympics? Write a speech to convince Olympic leaders to choose either bowling or cheerleading. Use details from the infographic to explain your opinion.

This article was originally published in the February 2026 issue.

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