Why no pool in the Olympics?

[Bob Jewett]

Pool would have to become very mainstream rather than somwhat of a sideshow to become an Olympic sport. Granted, there is interest in pool, but beyond the leagues, circuits, and bar actvity, its probably not enough to garner an Olympic sport.

In some countries cue sports are far more popular/visible than in the US. I think at one point Steve Davis was the most recognized sportsman in Britain. Many Europeans I've talked to know who Sir Raymond Ceulemans is and are impressed that I've met him. In Seoul you can (I'm told) stand at an intersection and see ten billiard rooms. Efren Reyes is a national icon.

At one time the US led cue sports.

 

[WildWing]

In some countries cue sports are far more popular/visible than in the US. I think at one point Steve Davis was the most recognized sportsman in Britain. Many Europeans I've talked to know who Sir Raymond Ceulemans is and are impressed that I've met him. In Seoul you can (I'm told) stand at an intersection and see ten billiard rooms. Efren Reyes is a national icon.

At one time the US led cue sports.

Great point, and I wonder what has happened in the US that has stifled that. We've all seen old time pictures of carom and pocket billiard tournaments held in grand ballrooms with thousands of people in attendance. It seems that would have been the time that billiards could have been an olympic sport, but it's harder to imagine now. It would be nice to return to some of that grandeur.