> That would make debate a sport.

True. I left out "athleticism" but should have included it. I just took that as a given.

That said, I don't think the idea of debate being a sport is entirely ridiculous. The Olympics had poetry as an event for 40 years or so...

Gymnastics, javelin, high jump, long jump, target shooting, figure skating…

I don't consider those sports. They are mostly games like darts. Competitions that are won by arbitrary judging are their own category of thing. I know fighting sports are judged when there is no KO or concession, but that's why they say don't leave it to the judges because that is not a true win.