The first lightweight events were added to the World Championships in 1974 for men and 1985 for women. Lightweight rowing was added to the Olympics in 1996 but this came under threat in 2002 when the Programme Commission of the IOC recommended that, outside combat sports and weightlifting, there should not be weight category events. The executive board overturned this recommendation and lightweight rowing continues at the Olympics, though only in the men's and women's double sculls.
Summarise why lightweight rowing event was at risk in Olympics
The Programme Commission was of the opinion that only combat sports and weightlifting should have weight categories. No other sport with weight categorisations should be allowed.