In a move that's left the world both starched and stunned, the International Olympic Committee has officially added Extreme Ironing to the roster of summer games events. What began as a quirky British pastime—ironing clothes in outrageous locations—has evolved into a full-blown athletic spectacle. Athletes will now compete for gold by pressing shirts mid-skydive, on mountaintops, or even underwater, proving that domestic drudgery can indeed be an extreme sport.

The decision came after years of lobbying by the Extreme Ironing Bureau, who argued that the activity combines physical prowess, mental focus, and impeccable crease management. 'It's not just about the adrenaline; it's about the perfect fold,' said bureau president Nigel Starchworth. Competitors must maintain a wrinkle-free shirt while battling elements like gale-force winds or shark-infested waters, all under the watchful eyes of judges armed with steam irons and scorecards.

Training regimens for extreme ironers are as bizarre as they are rigorous. Picture elite athletes leaping from planes with portable ironing boards strapped to their backs, practicing mid-air presses while deploying parachutes. 'One wrong move, and you're dealing with a singed sleeve or worse—a disqualification for uneven hems,' explained top contender Lana Pressman. Coaches emphasize core strength for holding the iron steady during freefall, turning laundry day into a high-stakes workout.

Critics, however, are wrinkling their noses at the inclusion. Traditional sports purists argue that extreme ironing dilutes the Olympic spirit, comparing it to adding competitive vacuuming or synchronized dishwashing. 'Where does it end? Gold medals for extreme grocery shopping?' quipped one detractor. But supporters counter that it's a nod to modern multitasking, appealing to a generation that juggles chores with chaos.

The inaugural event will feature categories like Aerial Ironing, where skydivers aim for creaseless collars at 10,000 feet, and Aquatic Pressing, involving scuba gear and submersible irons. Medals will be awarded based on speed, style, and starch application, with bonus points for flair—like ironing a tuxedo while base jumping off the Eiffel Tower. Expect sponsorships from laundry detergent brands, turning the podium into a sudsy affair.

As the games approach, extreme ironing is already inspiring copycat sports. Rumors swirl of petitions for Radical Dusting and Thrill-Seeking Sock Pairing. Whether this signals a new era of household heroism or just a load of hot air, one thing's certain: the Olympics just got a whole lot steamier.