The Olympic games are widely known as one of the greatest shows of athleticism and talent globally. This year’s Paris Summer Olympics continues the tradition in high fashion with exciting new events and renditions. Here’s everything to keep your eyes on once the opening ceremony kicks things off on Friday, July 26.
New Event: Breaking
Arguably the most fascinating and unexpected new event to join the Olympics is “breaking” or breakdancing.
In true battle rap style, competitors dance 1v1 in a best of three competition. When one person’s turn ends, the opponent jumps in for theirs. Judges grade on six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality.
Some favorites to look out for in the men’s division are U.S. stars Victor Montalvo and Jeffrey Louis. For the women’s competition, American Sunny Choi and Lithuanian Dominika Banevic are names to watch. Tune in on Friday, August 9 for the start of breaking.
New Event: Kayak Cross
Kayak Cross is a version of Kayak Slalom that started around 2015. It has elements of traditional kayak or canoe slalom, where competitors travel through a water obstacle course of gates. Unique to this rendition, competitors start on a ramp over two meters above the ground.
Kayak cross is also a contact sport. Kayakers can use their paddles to push and move around the competition. The finish is also different. Competitors must complete what is called an “Eskimo Roll”, or essentially a sideways barrel roll, before finishing the race. July 27th marks the start of this exciting new sport.
Second Olympiad Event: Surfing
Surfing made its debut during the Japan Olympics in 2020. It is returning in 2024, however, it will take place in French Polynesia rather than in Paris.
Brazil’s Ítalo Ferreira won in 2020 and is expected to make a strong run for gold again. The same is true for Tokyo’s women’s winner, Carissa Moore of the U.S. Be on the lookout for surfing starting Saturday, July 27.
Second Year Event: Skateboarding
Skateboarding is also returning for its second Olympics. Like Surfing, it was introduced at the 2020 Olympics in Toyko. There are four main events, street and park skateboarding for both men and women.
In 2020, Japan almost swept by winning three of four possible gold medals. This year watch out for famous U.S. pros like Nyjah Huston and Mariah Duran as well. Skateboarding is scheduled to start on July 27th.
Second Year Event: 3v3 Basketball
A different version of basketball is returning after its successful debut in the 2020 Olympics. 3v3 basketball has all the same excitement of traditional 5 on 5, yet with two less players!
Differences between the two are relatively marginal, with the most prominent being court size and scoring. Teams consist of four players, one of whom for the United States is college basketball legend, Jimmer Fredette. You can jump into some 3v3 basketball when it begins on July 30.
Other Notable Changes
- Artistic Swimming: First time men are included in this swimming competition.
- Boxing: A new women’s weight class has been added, and a men’s weight class has been cut.
- Sailing: Two kite events have been added for 2024.
- Shooting: Mixed skeet team event has replaced the mixed team trap event.
- Track and Field: Marathon race walk mixed relay has replaced the men’s 50KM race walk.
- Volleyball: Teams are divided into three pools of four, instead of two pools of six, this Olympiad.
- Weightlifting: 14 weight classes have shrunk to only 10.
The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is not something to miss. Not just because it only happens every four years, but because of the exciting new events and storylines that are sure to arise this year. Be sure to tune in and root on your home country!
