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The long-standing Olympic Games are here again, offering another dose of sporting entertainment. In 2024, the IOC will select and approve some new additions to the Olympic sports schedule. If a prospective sport meets the requirements of the Olympic Charter, the Olympic Movement Code, and the World Anti-Doping Code, it can be included in the world’s greatest sporting event! Keep reading to learn about the new sports.
Breaking Makes A Breakthrough
This dance style, also known as breakdancing, emerged fifty years ago in the Bronx, New York, USA. As its popularity grew, break dancing became more competitive. People from across the globe break dance in international competitions according to a specific rating and classification system. At the Olympics, breaking participants will initially compete in a round-robin format, with three additional rounds to find the ultimate Olympians. Nine judges will consider criteria such as creativity and performance. You might want to enjoy it while it’s still here, though, as it hasn’t been included in the sporting lineup for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Kayak Cross Cracks The Nod
Kayak Cross is debuting within the Canoe Slalom category in Paris 2024. Requiring white-water disciplines, four competitors race canoes off a ramp two meters above the water. There are time stages, including a time trial. The challenging course includes eight downstream and upstream gates.
Artistic Swimming Amendments
The 2024 Paris Olympics have introduced two changes to the Artistic Swimming category. Men are now included as competitors, and there’s also a team acrobatic routine event.
A Boxing Boost
The women’s weight classes have increased from five to six categories, and the men’s weight classes have been reduced from eight to seven categories.
A Shift In Sailing And Shooting
Two mixed-boat events and eight single-gender boating events are included. The sailing program also includes two kite events. The shooting events now include a mixed skeet team instead of a mixed trap team.
Transforming Track And Field
The men’s 50km race walk is now a marathon race walk mixed relay. The 200m and 1500m races now include a repechage round. Competitors who haven’t qualified in the preliminary rounds can participate in the repechage races to qualify for the semifinals.
Volleyball & Weightlifting
Volleyball players will now compete in three pools of four. The pool phase includes three matches per team. Previously, the teams played five matches in the pool Variety in phase. There are now four less weight classes in the weightlifting events. Paris 2024 offers 10 in total.
Future Sports Possibilities
There are multiple potential sports down the pipeline for the Olympics.
Until now, the Olympic program covered the water and the land, but air sports are unchartered territory. An Air Sports category could include aerial activities such as gliding, parachuting and aerobatics. Bowling is globally recognized as a popular recreational activity. Bowling is competitive, accessible and requires a degree of skill. It has already been included in the Commonwealth Games in the past, and its widespread popularity could make it greatly appealing to spectators.
Whether chess and bridge are viewed as sports is still up for debate. Participants need a high level of analytical skills. Their immense global popularity has resulted in their inclusion in the Games, which could also be a welcome addition to the Olympics. Disc Sports, such as Ultimate Frisbee, have seen a huge uptick in popularity over recent years. Athleticism and strategy are necessary skills to compete effectively at an international level.
Esports is a growing trend among the younger generations. This competitive gaming sector could be a well-received addition at an Olympic level. Floorball is a combination of soccer and hockey, requiring speed and skill. This team sport is played indoors and has shown a recent rise in popularity. Beach soccer takes the traditional soccer game to another level and could be a highly popular Olympic event for soccer fans. The Dutch sport of Korfball includes mixed teams playing a game reminiscent of netball and basketball. It’s a mystery why netball has been left out of the Olympics. This sport is a popular choice in many countries and is already part of the Commonwealth Games programme.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) shares similarities with the ancient sport of Pankration, which was included in the early years of the Olympics. MMA’s massive popularity should make it an obvious addition to the Games. Motorsport has such a big following on the world scale that including this event in the Olympics should boost its viewership significantly. Thai Boxing and Sumo wrestling are also potential Olympic additions.
Continual Olympic Entertainment
The Olympics continue to provide entertainment for all spectators. Feel like you’ve stepped onto the podium and head over to the Bitcoin betting website for this year’s Olympic games in Paris. You’ll find all the sports events and entertainment for Paris 2024!