Whitewater kayaking is a niche sport with some hardcore following.
At the time, winter team sports like basketball and ice hockey were regional niche sports, and there was little to write about.
Boxing long ago stopped being one of America's most popular sports and became a niche sport that roars, or whimpers, to life occasionally.
"I think it will be a major niche sport, and it has the potential of growing even a little bit beyond that," he added.
The transformation is stunning because cycling, at least in the United States, is a niche sport.
It is not yet an Olympic event, but this is the biggest-growing niche sport in skiing.
University High School has over 24 official athletics teams with numerous more niche sports offered through school clubs.
And these are certainly not niche sports for them.
For all I'm not belittling Wellington's achievements they are in a relatively niche sport with limited coverage.
Lacrosse may be a niche sport, but this weekend it will show just how healthy its following is.