The Olympic Games are a global spectacle where viewers can enjoy the excellence of the world’s best athletes competing for glory. But did you know some astonishing sports included in the 2024 Olympics? Buckle up because we’re about to reveal five modern sports inspired by contemporary culture, dance, and street life you might not have expected to see at the Paris 2024 Games!
5 unusual sports at the 2024 Olympic Games + 3 more in 2028 [Infographic]
Sport Climbing
Sport climbing, in which athletes scale challenging walls equipped with pre-placed bolts, took place on outdoor walls in the 1980s for the first time. Subsequently, it moved indoors to avoid the environment’s negative impact. The first world championships were held a decade later. The International Federation of Sport Climbing, founded in 2007, added more rules and structure to shape the sport we now know.
Rock climbing originated in the 1970s thanks to the development of pre-drilled bolted routes, which ensure safer and more standardized competition formats. In the traditional sport, climbers place their protection while progressing down. The sport uses pre-placed bolts, which makes it safer. Sports climbing is a young, mixed-gender activity in which 39% of climbers are under 18. They have practiced it outdoors and indoors in a more urban format. Today, there are over 25 million climbers in 150 countries worldwide.
Sport climbing in the Olympic Games
The sport debuted on the Olympic stage at the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games 2018. Despite the lack of publicization, the event impressed the public with the spectacle and suspense it created. Sport climbing was part of the Tokyo 2020 Games. It was also the extra sport in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, along with breaking (that makes its Olympic debut), surfing, and skateboarding. The sport will be featured in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program too.
What types of sport climbing are there?
Sport climbing requires strength, endurance, power, flexibility, and mental focus. Participants compete in the following three sports climbing disciplines:
- Speed Climbing: Two athletes race against each other, ascending an identical route as fast as possible. Since July 2023, the men’s World Record is 5.45 seconds, made by the Ukrainian Danyil Boldyrev, and for women – 6.81 seconds achieved by Aleksandra Miroslaw from Poland.
- Bouldering: Climbers have a set timeframe to try to complete a series of short, challenging routes of 4.5m high walls without ropes in the fewest possible attempts. Achievements are measured by the difficulty of the completed routes. “Silence” in Finland and “Change” in Japan are some of the most demanding routes conquered by climbers.
- Lead Climbing: Athletes, secured by a rope and safety equipment, climb a longer, more technical route within a set timeframe. Their achievements are measured by the height they have reached within the allotted time.
The most popular athletes
Here are some notable names in sport climbing among men and women:
- Women: Janja Garnbret from Slovenia, Kim Ja-ram from South Korea, and Anak Verhoeven from Belgium.
- Men: Adam Ondra from the Czech Republic, Jakob Schubert from Austria, and Tomoa Narasaki from Japan.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding, a spectacular and thrilling street sport for youngsters, developed in the 1950s, parallelling the surf culture in the USA. An intrinsic part of the alternative underground culture of the 80s, this sport represents freedom, thrill, and rebellion. It has continued to develop in the 21st century and is still loved by the younger generations.
The world’s top skateboarders faced each other at the 2024 Olympic Games in the two most popular and impressive disciplines: park and street. Athletes showcased their most spectacular tricks. The criteria covered the degree of difficulty, speed, and range of moves. The events had two rounds: prelims and finals.
The park competition occurred on a varied course that combined bowls and lots of bends for athletes to gain speed and perform tricks mid-air. The skateboarders were judged by the height and speed of their tricks during jumps, how they used the whole surface, the obstacles, and the control they had over their board during the two 45‑second runs and the five tricks they performed. The street events took place on a straight ‘street-resembling course (stairs, handrails, etc.), made to mimic the urban environments where the original sport started in the first place.
Having made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021, skateboarding was included in the Paris 2024 Olympics once again in the heart of the French capital.
Skateboarding stars
A few of the most famous legends and pioneers in skateboarding based on their competition success, influence, and mainstream recognition are:
- Tony Hawk (USA): One of the most famous skateboarders in the world, Tony boasts incredible vert skills and an iconic video game series. “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” made skateboarding globally renowned.
- Rodney Mullen (USA): Regarded as the “Godfather of Street Skating,” he revolutionized the sport. Many of his innovative flatland tricks are considered foundational moves.
- Stacy Peralta (USA): A key figure in the Zephyr Skate Team (“Z-Boys”) documented in the film “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” Stacy Peralta’s aggressive pool skating style and rebellious spirit left a lasting mark.
Here are several current and recent competition standouts:
- Nyjah Huston (USA): A dominant force in street skateboarding, he has won plenty of X Games and Street League Skateboarding (SLS) championship titles.
- Yuto Horigome (Japan): The first-ever Olympic Skateboarding champion in 2020, known for his technical mastery and consistency.
- Faye Desoura (USA): A pioneer in women’s skateboarding, she has won prestigious competitions like the X Games.
- Leticia Bufoni (Brazil): A three-time X Games gold medalist, she is a leader in women’s street skateboarding, famous for her powerful style and signature tricks.
Skateboarding achievements and winners
The most impressive skateboarding competition accomplishments and champions include:
- Yuto Horigome (Men’s Street – 2020) and Momiji Nishiya (Women’s Street – 2020), both Japanese, were the first-ever Olympic Skateboarding champions having won Olympic Gold Medals.
- Nyjah Huston and Leticia Bufoni, both owners of multiple golds in Street and Women’s Street, respectively, got a gold medal at the X Games, which is a feat highly prestigious and coveted by skaters.
- Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Championships is a professional skateboarding league with a points system and a yearly championship title. Nyjah Huston and Yuto Horigome are its recent champions.
- Tony Hawk’s legendary 900 (two and a half complete rotations) in 1999 was a groundbreaking achievement in vert skateboarding.
- Danny Way’s backside ollie over the Great Wall of China in 2005 is an example of pushing boundaries in skateboarding.
Breaking (break dancing)
Breaking, an urban dance style, originated in the United States in the 1970s, inspired by hip-hop culture. With its roots in African American and Latino communities, the cultural movement comprises dance, music (DJing), and visual art (graffiti). Breaking first took place in the Bronx borough of New York block parties. The dance uses specific acrobatic movements and stylized footwork.
Battles are head-to-head showdowns where dancers demonstrate their skills and creativity within a set time limit. The leading roles play the DJ and the MC (master of ceremonies), who evaluate originality, musicality, control, power, and general performance. International break competitions were first held in the 1990s, making the dance popular among the hip-hop scene and the public.
Breaking focuses on improvisation, rhythm, and power moves (head spins, windmills, and freezes). While performing, dancers hold seemingly impossible poses. The Red Bull BC One world champion is considered the most prestigious breaking competition in the world.
Top break dancers
The most popular breaking performers in B-Boys are:
- The founding member of the legendary breaking group Rock Steady Crew, Crazy Legs (Richard Colón, from the USA), is considered a pioneer.
- Popular with his power moves and original style, the American RoxRite (James Colen) is a respected veteran and a competition judge.
- Menno (Menno van Derwegen) from the Netherlands is a six-time Red Bull BC One world champion and a dominant force with his fantastic athleticism and technical skills.
Champions among B-Girls are:
- Roxie (Rockafella) from France: A true innovator, she changed the whole concept of power moves with her dynamic and aggressive breaking style.
- AM.Y (Yolanda Gonzalez) from the USA: A five-time Battle of the Year champion and authority figure known for her smooth footwork, freezes, and musicality.
- Ayumi from Japan: A veteran and judge with great technical precision and mesmerizing stage presence.
Who danced break at the Olympic Games?
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games competition consisted of two events – one for men and one for women. 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls faced off in stunning solo battles. Using a combination of power moves such as windmills, the 6-step, and freezers, the contestants adapted their style and did improvisations to the beat of the DJ’s tracks to take home the first Olympic-breaking medals.
Break dancing was featured at the Buenos Aires 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games. Thanks to its outstanding success at the Argentina Games, it was added to the Paris 2024 Olympic program as a new sport.
Surfing
Paris embraced the waves with the surfing events that took place over a 10-day window that lasted from 27 July to 5 August. In 2024 summer, surfing made its much-anticipated debut in the Olympic games. Surfers performed maneuvers on waves and were evaluated by five judges based on the tricks’ variety, type, difficulty, speed, power, and flow. The key to success among contestants included technical dexterity, wave selection, and ability to maneuver.
Curious facts about surfing
Archaeological evidence and historical accounts suggest that surfing originated in Polynesia around 4,000 years ago. Surfing has a unique vocabulary. It comes from “wipeout” (falling off) to “hang ten” (riding with all ten toes on the top of the board).
- Believe it or not, you don’t necessarily need the ocean for surfing! Flow riding uses artificial waves for surfing in inland locations.
- Shortboards (smaller and faster than longboards) are the surfboards of choice for the Olympic Games, being easier to maneuver and perfect for spectacular tricks.
- In Polynesian cultures, surfing wasn’t just recreation. It held deep spiritual significance. Kings and chiefs were often revered surfers, and surfing was a means to connect with the ocean and prove bravery.
Surfing in Olympic Games
In the 1920s, surfing fans and the native Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku began campaigning for the sport to be included in the Olympic program. Many years later, surfing finally made it onto the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo and returned to Paris in 2024 and will feature on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games too. The legendary Teahupo’o in Tahiti has been chosen as the spot for the competition.
The most famous athletes in surfing
Here are the most notable surfing masters in the world:
- Kelly Slater (USA): He can be proud of his record 11 World Surf League (WSL) championship titles, original style, and competitive power, making him a true legend.
- Carissa Moore (USA): A proven force in women’s surfing, she has secured five WSL championship titles. Her technical skills, competitive spirit, and powerful surfing manner have made her a role model for novices.
- Stephanie Gilmore (Australia) or “The Mermaid” is another dominant force in surfing among women with smooth style, powerful turns, and competitive tenacity. She has won seven WSL titles.
- Gabriel Medina (Brazil): A crowd star, Medina impresses with his aerial maneuvers and progressive surfing style. He boosts three WSL championship titles, regularly making spectacles with his daring tricks.
- Layne Beachley (Australia): A pioneer in women’s surfing, her seven WSL titles and ardent advocacy for gender equality have cemented her place among the greats.
The best records and accomplishments in surfing
The most prestigious competitions are the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational (Nicknamed “The Eddie”), Triple Crown of Surfing, and Billabong Pipe Masters. Surfing achievements go far beyond competition wins. Have a look at some of the most notable surfing feats:
- Riding the largest waves: Garrett McNamara surfed the biggest monster wave ever in Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, during the ZON North Canyon Project 2011. The wave is estimated at 90 feet (30 meters).
- Surfers who push the boundaries of style and maneuvers with innovative tricks: Shaun White’s “Double McTwist 1260” snowboard trick, adapted for surfing.
- Waterman/Waterwoman status: Surfers who master the waves across various disciplines like big wave riding, barrel riding, and performance surfing get the prestigious title of “waterman” or “waterwoman” for mastery in surfing.
3×3 Basketball
Considered the number one urban sport in the world, 3X3 Basketball originates from street basketball, a creative game variant with a less formal structure. 3×3 Basketball has evolved from outdoor courts to the Olympic Games, structured by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the governing body for the sport. The introduction of the 3X3 World Tour and the 3X3 Super league in France events reflects the rising popularity of this young urban sport. 3×3 Basketball focuses on teamwork and quick decision-making. The most successful teams usually have strong chemistry and a comprehensive range of skills across all three players.
Brief overview of the 3×3 basketball rules
3X3 Basketball is played on one half of a basketball court with two teams of three players each. Depending on who owns the ball, both teams attack and defend the same hoop. The winner is the team with the highest score achieved at the end of 10 minutes or the first to reach 21 points. The three‑point line in conventional Basketball is the two-point line in 3X3 Basketball. Shots made outside the line earn two points, and those inside it earn one. 3X3 games may be shorter, but 3X3 players need as much flexibility, skill, and anticipation as 5×5 players and probably even more endurance.
The world top-rated 3×3 basketball players
The fast-paced nature and the importance of teamwork make it demanding for players to dominate consistently. Yet, some more talented athletes often rank high and lead their teams to repeated victories. Here are some of the biggest 3×3 basketball names to watch out for among men:
- Dusan Domović (Serbia): Known for his shooting and playmaking skills, clutch shots, and dazzling passes. Dusan is a multiple FIBA 3×3 World Tour champion with Serbia.
- Aleksandar Ratkov (Serbia): Another key contributor to Serbia’s success, known for his athleticism, finishing skills around the rim, and defensive might.
- Strahinja Stojačić (Serbia): He claimed the MVP title at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup and is considered one of the most talented all-around players.
Among the best 3×3 Basketball female players are:
- Olivia Epoupa (Belgium): A dynamic guard with impressive speed and ball-handling abilities, often compared to a point guard in traditional basketball. Olivia received the FIBA 3×3 World Tour MVP, a key offensive player for Belgium.
- Jacqueline “Jackie” Young (the USA): A universal player with a solid outside shot and defensive presence. Having played in the WNBA, Young’s valuable experience from traditional basketball is priceless.
- Laetitia Guapo (France): In 2022, the Frenchwoman won a historic World Cup and Europe Cup titles. She led France to silver at the World Cup with her 45 points.
Notable 3×3 basketball records and accomplishments
Check out the most impressive results and records in 3×3 Basketball:
- Corey Campbell’s legendary performance in 2013, scoring 19 of Denver’s 20 points against Philadelphia, is still a remarkable individual achievement.
- Winning the FIBA 3×3 World Cup is the pinnacle feat for national teams. Serbia (Men’s) and the United States (Women’s) accomplished it at the 2023 World Cup.
- Since its debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the gold medal is still the highest achievement for national teams at the Olympic Games. The first gold medal champions were Latvia (Men’s) and the United States (Women’s).
3×3 basketball in Olympic games through history
3X3 Basketball was featured at three important contests, attracting massive crowds: the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, and the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games. In 2017, the IOC announced its decision to include 3X3 Basketball as part of the Olympic program at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where the first-ever 3X3 Olympic titles were won. This young, dynamic, and urban variation of traditional basketball captivated Olympic spectators again in Paris 2024.
Flag football, squash & lacrosse debuting in the 2028 Olympics
Although lacrosse, flag football, and squash did not take part in the 2024 Olympic Games, they will be part of the program of the LA28 Games. Here’s more about each sport.
Flag Football
Flag football is a version of American football (or gridiron). The aim of thew game is to advance up the pitch through a series of offensive plays into the defensive endzone of the opposition. This non-contact sport is played with ‘tackles’ made by removing one of three fabric ‘flags’ attached to the waist of the ball carrier. The National Touch Football League was founded in the 1960s in St. Louis, Missouri.
The United States, the leader in flag football, won the last four men’s titles at the World Championship, taking gold at the 2022 World Games with the quarterback Darrell’ Housh’ Doucette. Mexico has been the USA’s biggest threat in recent years. Mexico’s women defeated the American team in the 2022 World Games final. Canada’s women and Austria’s men also participate regularly in the global flag football competitions. The sport will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.
Lacrosse
In team sport, lacrosse players use a stick with a net to carry, pass, and shoot a ball to the opponent’s goal. It has plenty of versions, but the one at the Olympics is World Lacrosse Sixes. As its name suggests, this variant is played by six opponents and a goalie on a smaller field. Generally, the games are played in quarters, and fouls are penalized with penalty boxes. The team with the most goals is the winner.
Field Lacrosse was played at the previous Olympic Games, while World Lacrosse Sixes is planned for Los Angeles in 2028. Men’s lacrosse was part of the St. Louis 1904 and London 1908 Olympic Games before appearing at the Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932, and London 1948 Games. Only three nations have participated in Olympic lacrosse so far, with Canada the winner on both occasions. Winnipeg Shamrocks (Canada) beat the United States, taking the gold, while the Mohawk Indians, also from Canada, took the bronze. The USA and Canada are the traditional forces of field lacrosse, although Canada hasn’t won a women’s world title yet. Australia is the only nation apart from the USA to get the women’s world crown twice: in 1986 and 2005.
Canada won over the United States in both the men’s and women’s finals at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, where the World Lacrosse Sixes format was played. In the men’s game, Canada’s Zach Currier, Dhane Smith, and USA’s Tom Schreiber were the heroes in field and Sixes formats. Veteran Dana Dobbie played a crucial role in Canada’s women’s success with Aurora Cordingley, another player equally proficient in both formats.
Squash
Squash, derived from the game of racquets, is a descendant of tennis. It was first played in the 18th century in London prisons. This racket sport is traditionally played by two players on a rectangular court of four walls (made of safety glass in professional competitions for spectators to watch the action). Squash rubber balls have little bounce and are warmed up by being repeatedly hit against walls before the matches begin.
Although squash has been a demonstration sport at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, it has never appeared at the Olympic Games before. Its debit is planned for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Egypt has dominated squash competitions. The Egyptian Nour El Sherbini has won seven women’s world titles over the last eight years, leaving her one behind Nicol David’s record. El Sherbini has defeated his compatriot Nouran Goharin in the earlier three world finals. Again, Egyptians have been the winners of six of the last seven men’s world finals, with Ali Farag conquering four of them. Peru’s Diego Elias is currently the biggest threat to Egypt.
Last words
The 2024 Paris Olympics launched a series of intriguing sports, some of which appeared in the Olympics Games for the first time. Fans of street culture, dancing, nature, the elements, mountains, and waves saw their favorites in their glory moments. Skateboarding, breaking, surfing, and sport climbing are all very intriguing sports that even ordinary people eagerly love to watch.