The pole dancing community is celebrated for its incredible inclusivity. The diverse range of pole techniques means there’s a place for every body type and age. In fact, the pole world boasts phenomenal athletes well into their 60s, proving its longevity as a sport. Pole engages the entire body, making it an activity one can enjoy for many years.
Shannon Daily, a decorated athlete and current World Champion for Pole Art 50+ POSA and Hoop Art 40+ IPSF, shared her evolving perspective on the sport’s Olympic potential. Initially, Daily felt “hesitant about having Pole in the Olympics because at the start I felt like it was more of an art than a sport,” acknowledging the subjective nature of judging art. However, her engagement in performances and competitions shifted her view. She notes, “Rules, regulations, and Codes of Points are intimidating at first but once you do a few competitions they become second nature when crafting a new routine,” highlighting the structured and competitive nature of professional pole.
Despite the global growth of pole sports, Daily believes the United States lags behind European and Latin American countries in recognizing and supporting pole as a legitimate Olympic sport. She points out that “Both Italy and Russia recognize pole as an official Sport worthy of being entered in the Olympics.” While optimistic, Daily anticipates wider acceptance may still be some time away, perhaps “like maybe in another decade.” Reflecting on her 11 years in the pole community, she observes a slow but steady change in public perception, occasionally surprised by positive reactions from older generations on social media. Looking to the future, Daily champions the inclusion of children in pole sport and art, seeing it as “the wave of the future.” She also notes Russia’s dedicated approach to pole, complete with specialized training centers, similar to established Olympic sports. Daily emphasizes the importance of “Safe Sport training” for coaches and all personnel involved, crucial for safeguarding young athletes, mirroring best practices in other youth sports.
