The Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) has formally submitted a proposal to the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee, seeking the reintroduction of Tug of War to the Olympic Games programme. This marks a major milestone for the sport globally — and particularly for Ireland, which has a proud and successful history in international Tug of War competition.
TWIF’s proposal follows an invitation from the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee to assess potential new sports for inclusion. As part of the process, TWIF has been invited to an online meeting with the Organising Committee on Monday, 24 November 2025 to discuss the bid further.
A Strong Fit for Modern Olympic Values
TWIF’s submission highlights how Tug of War aligns naturally with the vision for the Brisbane Games and the wider direction of the Olympic movement, including:
- Global Reach: Played competitively in more than 70 countries.
- Sustainability: Requires minimal equipment and infrastructure.
- Gender Equality: Long-established men’s, women’s, and mixed events.
- Spectator Appeal: Fast-paced, engaging, and ideal for digital audiences.
- Community Spirit: Emphasises teamwork, inclusion, and collective strength.
TWIF President Dan McCarthy summed up the sport’s Olympic potential:
“Brisbane 2032 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Olympic heritage while engaging a new generation through an inclusive, team-based sport that connects communities worldwide.”
Ireland’s Strong International Presence
Ireland has long been recognised as one of the most successful and respected nations in global Tug of War. Irish teams continue to perform at the highest levels of TWIF competition, consistently achieving podium finishes in both men’s and women’s categories across senior, U23, and junior divisions.
Should Tug of War return to the Olympic stage, Ireland would be exceptionally well-positioned to compete — and potentially medal — given decades of elite performances and a vibrant club structure that nurtures talent from youth to senior level.
A Return to Olympic History
Tug of War has a long Olympic legacy, having featured at five editions of the Games between 1900 and 1920. The sport was removed after Antwerp 1920, alongside 33 other disciplines, during a period of Olympic programme restructuring. Its inclusion in Brisbane 2032 would reawaken a fascinating chapter of Olympic heritage while showcasing a modern, inclusive version of the sport.
In its early Olympic years:
- Britain, Sweden, the USA, France, Denmark and others competed for medals.
- Teams often consisted of athletes from other events.
- The sport was contested initially with smaller teams before moving to today’s 8-puller format.
- The 1920 Games marked the last Olympic Tug of War event, won by Great Britain (City of London Police).
Modern Tug of War: A Sport for Everyone
Today’s Tug of War features:
- Men’s, women’s, and mixed teams
- Junior, U23, and senior categories
- Strict weight classes ensuring fairness
- Outdoor and indoor (mat) formats
- IOC recognition and regular inclusion in The World Games (since 1981)
At the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, gold medals were won by:
- Men: Great Britain
- Women: Chinese Taipei
- Mixed: Switzerland
What Happens Next?
A decision on whether Tug of War will be added to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games is expected sometime in 2026.
If approved, it would mark the sport’s long-awaited return to the world’s biggest sporting stage — and open an exciting new era for Irish Tug of War athletes.
Tug of War Ireland will continue to follow developments closely and share updates as they emerge.
References
- Tug of War International Federation (TWIF) – Brisbane 2032 Olympic Proposal Summary
- UK Tug of War Association – History of Tug of War at the Olympic Games
- International Olympic Committee (IOC) Recognition of Tug of War
- World Games Historical Results
