The 2024 Olympics in Paris promise a dazzling spectacle unlike any other. While the core Olympic sports remain a constant, each game introduces a touch of novelty. Paris 2024 is no exception, with four captivating sports making their debut (or official medal event debut) on the Olympic stage. Get ready for electrifying breakdancing battles, gravity-defying skateboarding maneuvers, the grit and strategy of sport climbing, and the thrilling world of surfing – all vying for Olympic glory!
Paris 2024 Olympics: New Sports
Redefining Cool: Breakdancing Makes its Olympic Debut
Step aside, traditional ballroom dances, there’s a new kid on the block! Breakdancing, also known as breaking, explodes onto the Olympic scene in 2024. This high-energy street dance style, born from African American and Latino communities in the Bronx, New York, has captivated audiences worldwide with its acrobatic flair and rhythmic beats.
A Showcase of Skill and Creativity: Breaking competitions involve head-to-head battles (one-on-one or team) judged on a combination of factors. Athletes, known as “B-Boys” and “B-Girls,” are evaluated on their power moves (freeze, top rock, footwork), transitions, musicality, and overall creativity.
A Global Phenomenon Takes Center Stage: From underground dance battles to international competitions, breakdancing has carved a unique path in popular culture. Its inclusion in the Olympics reflects its growing mainstream appeal and the athleticism required to excel at this dynamic art form.
Expect a Vibrant Atmosphere: Breakdancing competitions promise an energetic spectacle. Imagine the electrifying combination of athletic prowess, rhythmic beats, and vibrant street culture aesthetic. This groundbreaking addition is sure to invigorate the Games with a youthful energy and a nod to urban expression.
Skateboarding: From Street Corners to Olympic Glory
Skateboarding, once a pastime associated with rebellious teenagers and daring street performances, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now, it’s a recognized sport with dedicated skateparks and a global following. Its inclusion as an official medal event in 2020 (Tokyo Olympics) proved to be a huge success, and Paris 2024 continues this momentum.
Two Disciplines to Test Skills: Skateboarding competitions are divided into two categories: park and street. Park features athletes showcasing their skills on a bowl-shaped course with ramps and transitions, performing aerial tricks and grinds. Street features a course designed to mimic urban environments, complete with stairs, rails, and ledges, testing athletes’ balance, creativity, and technical mastery of their boards.
A Thriving Community on Display: The skateboarding community prides itself on individuality and a relaxed atmosphere. Expect to see athletes pushing boundaries with innovative tricks while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
A Perfect Fit for Paris: Paris boasts a vibrant skateboarding scene with numerous skateparks and a dedicated community. This urban sport seamlessly integrates with the city’s atmosphere, creating a unique and exciting Olympic experience.
Reaching New Heights: Sport Climbing Scales Olympic Walls
For those who crave a challenge and possess incredible upper body strength, sport climbing offers a thrilling new addition to the Olympic lineup. This physically demanding sport involves athletes scaling challenging climbing walls, testing not only their physical prowess but also their problem-solving skills and mental focus.
Three Disciplines to Conquer: Sport climbing encompasses three distinct disciplines: lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering. Lead climbing involves athletes ascending a wall of unknown routes with limited time, securing ropes as they progress. Speed climbing is a head-to-head race to the top of a standardized wall. Bouldering involves tackling short, challenging routes without ropes, relying on strength and agility.
A Sport for All Skill Levels: Sport climbing isn’t just about physical strength. Athletes need to analyze the route, strategize their ascent, and maintain composure while facing challenging holds. This sport’s technical demands and mental focus make it a captivating spectacle to witness.
A Growing Sport Pushes Limits: Sport climbing is a fast-growing sport, attracting athletes from diverse backgrounds. Its addition to the Olympics reflects its global appeal and offers a platform for these dedicated individuals to showcase their incredible skills on the world stage.
Riding the Waves to Olympic Glory: Surfing Makes its Parisian Debut
Imagine the world’s best surfers battling for Olympic gold! Surfing, a sport synonymous with sun-drenched beaches and adrenaline-pumping waves, makes its debut in Paris 2024. While the City of Lights might not be traditionally known for its surf scene, the Games will take advantage of a temporary venue chosen for optimal wave conditions.
Catching the Perfect Wave: Surfing competitions involve athletes riding a single wave and being judged on their performance. Judges evaluate various factors, including wave selection, maneuverability and technique, speed and power,
and flow. Witnessing surfers carve through the water, executing daring maneuvers and maintaining balance on a moving wave, is a sight to behold. The incorporation of surfing in the Olympics broadens the Games’ appeal, showcasing a sport deeply connected with nature and the pursuit of riding the perfect wave.
A Global Stage for Coastal Talent: Surfing boasts a passionate global community, with athletes hailing from countries like Australia, Brazil, the United States, and many more. The Olympics provide a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their skills on a worldwide stage, potentially inspiring the next generation of wave riders.
A Parisian Twist on a Beach Sport: While Paris might not have a permanent surfing scene, the organizers are committed to creating a unique and exciting Olympic experience for surfing. The temporary venue will be chosen based on optimal wave conditions, ensuring a fair and thrilling competition. This innovative approach adds a touch of novelty to the Games and highlights the adaptability of the sport.
The Future of Olympic Surfing: The inclusion of surfing in Paris 2024 marks a significant step for the sport, potentially paving the way for its inclusion in future Olympics. With its growing global fanbase and the captivating nature of competition, surfing has the potential to become a mainstay in the Olympic program.
Beyond the Four New Sports: The 2024 Paris Olympics will still feature a vast array of established sports, offering something for everyone. From the classic track and field events to the strategic finesse of gymnastics and the fast-paced action of basketball, the Games promise a two-week celebration of athletic excellence.
written by
Matt Rooney
Matt is from the Chicagoland area and has been working in Chicago sports since 2015 with stops at WGN Radio, the Chicago Blackhawks, Stadium, and NBC Sports Chicago prior to landing at Betsperts. Matt covers just about everything for Betsperts and Bleacher Nation but focuses on the NHL and college football.
