The Olympic Games—the pinnacle arena for sports across the world—have long celebrated passion, strategy, and global competition. Yet, here at Oxford, we already know a sport that embodies all these qualities and captivates thousands every summer: croquet. So why has the Olympics ignored it for over a century?
A Brief History of Croquet
While the origins of croquet remain somewhat mysterious, many historians trace it back to France in the mid-16th century (Queen of Games: The History of Croquet, Nicky Smith). It was one of many mallet-and-ball games enjoyed at the time but it remained relatively niche until the early 1800s when it was introduced in Ireland. From there, it crossed the Irish Sea to England, where it quickly gained popularity. In 1868, the first national governing body, the All England Croquet Club (now known as the venue for Wimbledon), was established. The sport spread across the globe, with official rule books finding their way to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States before the turn of the century.
Croquet distinguished itself not only as a game of skill and strategy, but also as a remarkably inclusive sport. Unlike many other sports of the era, it welcomed players regardless of physical ability and gender, with men and women competing on equal terms. The popularity and progressive aspect of croquet earned it a place at the 1900 Paris Olympics, where it became the first Olympic sport to feature female competitors. Unfortunately, the event was poorly attended, with only one ticket sold, and all participants were French. Disappointed by the turnout, the Olympic committee removed croquet from the program after just one appearance.
But was that decision premature? Over a century later, is the time ripe to reconsider croquet’s place on the world’s biggest sporting stage?
Croquet in the Modern World
The sport boasts an estimated 15,000–20,000 registered players worldwide, with countless more casual enthusiasts, particularly in the UK, where garden croquet remains a beloved summer tradition. Since 1989, there have been 43 world championships across various croquet disciplines, with 29 countries home to croquet organisations recognized by the World Croquet Federation.
While croquet is often stereotyped as a leisurely pursuit for the elderly, the sport is undergoing a quiet generational shift. Clubs across the world are actively recruiting younger players, and universities have become hotspots for croquet enthusiasm. Nowhere is this more evident than at the University of Oxford. Croquet Cuppers, the University’s inter-college tournament, is the largest croquet competition in the world and one of the most popular sporting events at Oxford, with some years attracting over 2,000 student entrants. The Oxford University Association Croquet Club (OUACC) has produced numerous international players, several of which are in the world top 10. That is, thanks in large part to the dedication of Ian Plummer, the club’s volunteer coach and former world championship contender.
This resurgence of interest among younger generations, coupled with the sport’s growing international footprint, suggests that croquet is far from a fading tradition. It is a sport with the potential to captivate a global audience once more.
Croquet’s Place in the Olympics
The Olympic Games have undergone significant transformation since 1900, embracing new sports that reflect modern values of inclusivity, accessibility, and global appeal. Croquet, with its unique blend of strategy, skill, and universal accessibility, aligns perfectly with these ideals. The sport’s current reach may not yet meet the Olympic Charter’s strict criteria, as it is not yet practised by men in at least 75 countries across four continents and by women in 40 countries across three continents. However, its growing popularity suggests that this milestone is well within reach.
As a sport that once paved the way for gender equality in Olympic competition, reestablishing Olympic croquet would also bring historical and cultural depth to the Games. The growing international reach of the sport, evidenced by world championships spanning continents and the rising participation among younger players, further supports its case.
With Paris 2024 showcasing a blend of tradition and novelty, perhaps the next step is to bring croquet back to the Olympic stage, honouring its legacy, while inviting the world to rediscover its brilliance.