The Paris 2024 Olympics, set to begin this Friday, will introduce significant changes to the sports program, including new sports and adjustments to existing ones.
Breaking, an energetic form of breakdancing that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s, will debut at the Paris Olympics. This urban dance style was officially added to the Olympic program in late 2020. Key competitors to watch include Victor Montalvo and Phil Wizard in the B-Boy category and Nicka and Ami in the B-Girl category.
Introduction of Kayak Cross
Paris 2024 Olympics will also introduce kayak cross in the canoe slalom events. This new addition features a mix of solo timed runs and a four-person race, creating a dynamic and competitive environment. Notable athletes in this event include Joe Clarke and Jessica Fox.
Debut of Kiteboarding
Another new addition is kiteboarding, which will be featured among the ten Olympic sailing events. Competitors will participate in the Formula Kite format, navigating courses in various wind conditions. Key participants to look out for are Daniela Moroz and Maximilian Maeder.
Modifications in Other Sports
Other changes include mixed sailing events and a new format for the modern pentathlon, which will condense the semi-finals and finals into 90 minutes. Athletics will introduce a repechage round in track events ranging from 200m to 1500m. Artistic swimming will allow male competitors for the first time, and boxing will introduce a women’s bantamweight class while removing the men’s light heavyweight division.
Changes in Shooting and Volleyball
The skeet mixed team event will replace the trap mixed team event in shooting. Volleyball will adapt its structure, with teams split into three pools of four, each playing three matches in the pool phase.
Returning Sports from Tokyo 2020
Sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, which debuted at Tokyo 2020, will return for the Paris Games. Surfing will occur in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, far from the main Olympic venues.
Sports Dropped and Scheduled for Return
Karate and baseball-softball, absent from the Paris 2024 program, are planned to return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. These adjustments reflect the evolving nature of the Olympic Games and the global sports landscape.
