Hurtles because sally Pearson did
most people reckon that swimming is the best sport in the Olympics
The main sport in Romania is gymnastics. It isn't as popular there anymore though. It is important to distinguish between the sport that is most popular and the sport at which a nation has done well in the Olympics. For sure, Romania has done well at the Olympics in Gymnastics but that does not mean it is the most popular sport. Generally the most popular sport in any European country is Football (Soccer) because it is the sport played by most people who participate in sport.
Gymnastics
Olympics
soccer
Hockey!
probably basketball
free style skiing
Ice Hockey
Swimming became popular because it is an Olympic sport so people started to do it themselves because they got inspired by the Olympics.
because it is a popular sport! and most sports in the olympic games are popular
When a sport becomes very popular it will/can be looked at by the Olympic council, some sports, like UFC are very popular, but will not be in the Olympics because of the violence and such. Speedskating became very popular, and was accepted, so now it is in the Olympics.