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OLYMPIC AGENDA 2020LeftThe Rio 2016 golf competition will feature men’s and women’s individual eventsAboveGolf made its Olympic debut at Paris in 1900 (left), while rugby last featured in 1924 (right)Olympians come in all shapes and sizes. From petite gymnasts and towering high jumpers, to wiry marathon runners and powerful weightlifters, the wide variety of sports showcased during the Olympic Games ensures a special and unique gathering of athletes. And at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, two more distinct groups of sportsmen and women will be making themselves at home in the Athletes’ Village, as golfers and rugby players take to the Olympic stage.With less than a year to go until Rio 2016, all eyes are on golf and rugby as they prepare to return to the Games for the first time since 1904 and 1924 respectively, having been added to the Olympic programme again in 2009.“It’s obviously been a long time since either of them were part of the programme,” explains IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell. “We’re looking forward to both sports making a huge contribution to the Games in Rio and beyond, and equally for their Olympic inclusion to have a real and lasting impact on the two sports around the world as well.”Golf, which was first included at the Games in Paris in 1900, will include men’s and women’s individual events in Rio de Janeiro, each featuring 60 of the world’s best players in a 72-hole stroke-play contest over four rounds, with medals awarded to GOLF AND RUGBY SEVENSOLYMPIC REVIEW 59