Cover Paris Olympics hopes to win over younger people with fresh categories of sports
Paris Olympics hopes to win over younger people with fresh categories of sports
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Breaking makes its Olympics debut while surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing return to the Paris Olympics
The last Paris Olympics took place in 1924. Exactly a century later, the Games is returning to the City of Lights, with 329 medal events unfolding across 35 distinct venues, ensuring a gripping showcase of athletic prowess. Four categories have been added this year, especially to grow the Games’ appeal among younger audiences.
These new sports (or newish sports, as some of them debuted at the Tokyo Olympics)—breakdancing, sport climbing, surfing and skateboarding—bring a modern flair to the Olympics. Tatler explores the reasons behind their Olympic inclusion and uncovers the exciting formats in which they will compete.
Read more: 14 powerful quotes from Asia's elite athletes to spark the competitive spirit
Breakdancing
History
Breakdancing emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, as part of hip-hop culture. Known for its acrobatic moves and style, it became a global urban dance phenomenon.
Why it was chosen in Paris Olympics 2024
Since the 1990s, breakdancing has become a global sensation with the rise of international competitions. It even made an appearance at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where it stole the show with its moves and groovy beats. This time, it will be in a category of its own at the 2024 Olympics.
Competition format
Breaking will feature in this year’s Olympics with 16 male and 16 female B-Boys and B-Girls competing in solo battles. The athletes will perform their skills while improvising to the beats of the DJ, and judges will select the winners.
Sport climbing
History
Sport climbing is a type of rock climbing in which people climb up a route fitted with preplaced permanent bolts. In the late 1970s in France, Jacques Perrier found a route called Pichenibule, which became one of the first sport climbing routes in the world. Then in the early 80s, Alan Watts started pre-bolting climbing routes in Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park, bringing the sport to the United States. Climbing was considered a bit of a fringe activity back then, but climbers kept pushing the limits and grades, leaving plenty of room for more epic breakthroughs in the decades to come.
Why it was chosen in Paris Olympics 2024
According to the Olympic’s official website, sport climbing was the new kid on the block at the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games, and it made a comeback at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where it won the public’s hearts. Its ability to showcase the city and its aesthetic value earned it a sport in this year’s Olympic programme.
Competition format
Sport climbing has three formats at this Olympics. In bouldering, athletes climb up a wall without ropes, in the shortest time and using the fewest attempts possible. The speed is a thrilling race against the clock, with one-on-one elimination rounds. The lead event is the ultimate test, as athletes climb as high as possible on a wall over 15m high in six minutes, without seeing the route ahead of time.
Surfing
History
Surfing dates back over a thousand years to Polynesian cultures. It evolved from a way of life to a global sport. Modern surfing began in Hawaii, popularised by Duke Kahanamoku in the early 20th century. Today, the passion for surfing continues to thrive, making it one of the most beloved sports globally.
Why it was chosen in Paris Olympics 2024
Kahanamoku, who was a three-time Olympic freestyle champion, had begun campaigning for surfing to be included as an Olympic sport in the 1920s. Many years later, surfing became an official sport at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This time, the sport will make a comeback at the Paris Olympics, based on the great public enthusiasm for the sport.
Competition format
In surfing, riders execute a range of manoeuvres and stunts on a wave, which are evaluated by a panel of five judges. The judges assess the tricks based on their type, complexity and diversity. The surfers’ speed, power and flow are also considered.
Skateboarding
History
Skateboarding originated in the early 1950s as “sidewalk surfing” in California. In the 1980s, it became part of the rebellious and alternative underground culture that valued freedom and excitement. The sport grew and became more popular as time passed, especially in the early 2000s.
Why it was chosen in Paris Olympics 2024
International Olympic Committee’s president Thomas Bach said in a recent press conference that the Olympics wants to showcase urban sports that young people enjoy, which can happen outside of traditional arenas. As a result of this vision, the skateboarding competition will take place at the famous Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris.
Competition format
The competition is divided into two rounds: preliminaries and finals. Skateboarders perform tricks and jumps that are judged based on height, speed and the use of obstacles. They get three runs with the best score counting. In street events, skaters perform tricks on a city-like course and are judged on board control during two runs and five individual tricks. It's all about style, creativity, and showing off those skills.
