The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are set to captivate audiences worldwide with the introduction of four new sports events: breaking, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. These additions not only bring a fresh perspective to the Olympic program but also showcase the ever-evolving nature of sports and the Olympic movement’s commitment to engaging younger generations.
Breaking: The First Dancesport Discipline in Olympic History
Breaking, a dancesport discipline, will make its official debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics, with competitions scheduled for August 9-10 at Place de la Concorde. This historic event marks the first time a dancesport has been included in the Summer Olympic program. Following its successful introduction at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, breaking has been confirmed as one of the four additional sports for Paris 2024.
The breaking competition will feature a total of 32 breakdancers, consisting of 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls, who will showcase their skills in face-to-face single battles. This format promises to deliver an exhilarating and dynamic display of talent, creativity, and athleticism.
More Sports to follow
Sport Climbing: Doubling the Medal Events
Sport climbing, which made its official debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will return to the program for the second time in Paris 2024. The competition is scheduled to take place from August 5-10 at the Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue in Saint-Denis.
Paris 2024 will see a significant increase in the number of medal events for sport climbing, doubling from two in the previous edition to four. The boulder-and-lead tandem will be separated from the speed format, allowing athletes to specialize and showcase their skills in each discipline. Moreover, the number of sport climbers competing will rise from 40 in Tokyo to 68 in Paris, further highlighting the growth and popularity of the sport.
Skateboarding: Showcasing Youthful Talent
Skateboarding, another sport that made its official debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will return to the program in Paris 2024. The competitions are scheduled to run from July 27 to August 7 at Place de la Concorde.
With the showcase of youthful talents and the level of competition continually rising, Paris 2024 will witness more skateboarders compete across four medal events: street and park for both men and women. The roster size will expand from 80 in Tokyo to 88 in Paris, demonstrating the increasing interest and participation in the sport.
Surfing: Breaking Records in Tahiti
Surfing, which made waves at its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, will once again captivate audiences in Paris 2024. The competition is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 5 at the Teahupo’o reef pass in Tahiti, French Polynesia. This location choice breaks the record for the farthest medal competition to stage outside the host city, adding an exotic and thrilling element to the event.
A total of 48 surfers, 24 for each gender, will compete in the shortboard events, an increase of eight athletes compared to the Tokyo 2020 competition. This expansion reflects the growing global appeal and competitiveness of surfing.
| Sport | Dates | Venue | Athletes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaking | August 9-10 | Place de la Concorde | 32 |
| Sport Climbing | August 5-10 | Le Bourget Sport Climbing Venue | 68 |
| Skateboarding | July 27 – August 7 | Place de la Concorde | 88 |
| Surfing | July 27 – August 5 | Teahupo’o reef pass, Tahiti | 48 |
The inclusion of these four new sports events in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games demonstrates the Olympic movement’s commitment to embracing diversity, innovation, and youth engagement. As the world eagerly awaits the start of the Games, these new additions promise to deliver thrilling competitions, showcase exceptional talent, and inspire a new generation of athletes and fans alike.