YOKOHAMA, JAPAN — The Japanese softball team won its second gold medal in Olympic history Tuesday, toppling a favored American squad in a fairy-tale finish for the host country.
Softball made a one-off appearance at these Games, a discretionary pick by a baseball-loving host country. It definitely won’t be on the program at the 2024 Games in Paris, where breakdancing will make its debut as an Olympic (maybe, kinda) sport.
It’s possible Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 organizers will bring softball and baseball back, giving both sports an extended opportunity to argue for their permanent inclusion.