British petition wants medieval jousting in the Olympics

Debates over what should and should not be Olympic sports can get pretty heated. Squash supporters have been lobbying for the sport’s inclusion for years; golf was the subject of such discussion before finally being added in 2016; some people even think video games should be included!

The latest petition might be the most ridiculous yet: An organization called English Heritage wants jousting in the Olympics.

Yeah, jousting. Like the British medieval competition. Dominic Sewell, a jousting expert, told the BBC that it’s a “worldwide phenomenon that should be recognized.”

Related: According to the BBC, only about 20 people joust competitively in the United Kingdom.

Also related: Jousting is not recognized or governed by any international sport federation, the first requirement for a legitimate Olympic bid.

However, since it’s essentially fencing while riding horses, English Heritage has approached the world’s equestrian federation, the FEI, about taking jousting under its wing.

You’re probably more familiar with fictional re-enactments of medieval battles 1,000 years ago than you are with the actual “sport” of jousting, but it does have rules and regulations. Jousters wear armor that weighs about 44 pounds, and battle with a 12-foot lance. It’s pretty tame though, compared to what you’re picturing in your head:

It’s probably safe to assume this isn’t happening. Not in the 21st century.