Wheels fall off 2012 skateboard event

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The International Olympic Committee had been keen to boost the youth appeal of the 2012 Games by giving the sport its debut in London.

But plans for the International Cycling Federation to adopt skateboarding as a "wheel-based" sport have faltered.

The proposals did not even make the organisation's agenda at its recent annual congress in Germany.

It canvassed opinion among its federations around the world, but they failed to give their unanimous backing and without the endorsement of a current Olympic sport, skateboarding's chances were dead although it may feature as an "exhibition" event.

The federation remains in talks with the IOC about introducing an additional form of BMX for London.

The cycling sport will make its debut at next year's Beijing games but, by 2012, a "freestyle" discipline could be added.

Skateboarders have been divided over the idea of taking part in the Olympics. Some would have welcomed the exposure, others said it would lead to a conformity that should be anathema to the sport that grew out of the Californian surf craze.

Kevin Parrott, secretary of the UK Skateboarding Association, said there were concerns that its introduction was being rushed.

"It has taken a long time to get competitive skateboarding right - both in the tone and technical aspects. The timetable to include it in the London Olympics was clearly too tight."

An IOC spokeswoman said: "BMX freestyle would be easier to introduce, as it already exists as a sport in the programme."

Under IOC rules, the deadline for a completely new sport at London 2012 passed in 2005. A loophole exists for a sport to be introduced as a "discipline" if it is adopted by an existing Olympic sport. New disciplines for London must be agreed by 2009.