Are the Olympics ready for ... pole dancing?
IOC recognition is only a matter of time, say the sport's advocates

Junji Kurokawa / AP
Pole dancer Mai Sato, 29, does her daily workout at a studio in Tokyo, Japan, last week. Sato is the world champion in her sport.
updated 2/22/2010



TOKYO — For Japan's Mai Sato, watching all those gold medals being handed out in Vancouver is a bittersweet experience.

Sato knows the demands of being the best. In her world, blisters are the rule, bruises a way of life. And the training — five hours a day, five days a week.

The world champion in her sport, Sato is as athletic, dedicated and competitive as the Olympians representing their nations. And she thinks it's high time her discipline, too, got some real recognition.

Still, pole dancing? In the Olympics?

Absolutely, say thousands of pole dancers and the rapidly growing number of international and national federations transforming what was once the exclusive property of strip clubs and cheap bars into a respectable — and highly athletic — event.

"I could definitely see pole dancing in the Olympics," said Sato, who, a dancer since the age of three, out-twirled a bevy of athletes from 11 countries at the second International Pole Dancing Fitness Championships in Tokyo two months ago. "I would love to win a gold medal."

a more entertaining form of gymnastics

my niece did it,

we weren't thrilled about it but she is amazingly fit

If they admit pole dancing as an Olympic sport, I'll be applying to the IOC as a judge!!!

I might have to get some cash and go practice this afternoon!!

I don't see why pole dancing shouldn't be considered for admission to the 'Olympics' ... why, I think they've even found ancient stones from the Olden Dayes that show women splayed upon poles for the amusement and seduction of the males ... times change - people don't ... let the dancing begin - but can we do it without the 'pimp daddy' muzik in the background ... ?

they should add lap dances too...i wouldn't have a problem with that.

Here.
Stack 'em up for th' ladies.

Is that 'Long John' Holmes on the bottom out of sight ... ?

Here is the fellow who invented Pole dancing.
vlad the impaler

Din't he also have sump'm to do with the 'Monster Mash' ... ?

forget pole dancing..i wanna see Gladiators..!!

Miss Pole Dance - Canada - Vancouver

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qreu9IW-H1I

In this case, 'Pole Dance' just means she's Polish ...