Which Olympic Events Are Most Popular With Gen Z?
Breakdancing, skateboarding, rock climbing, and surfing will either be included as official events for the first time or continue to be included in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Breakdancing will make its Olympic debut. These new events will undoubtedly push the Olympics towards a younger and more fashionable direction. The addition of these new sports will give audiences the opportunity to witness more dynamic and creative performances and demonstrate the diversity of the Olympic movement.
Breakdancing, skateboarding, rock climbing, and surfing will either be included as official events for the first time or continue to be included in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Breakdancing will make its Olympic debut. These new events will undoubtedly push the Olympics towards a younger and more fashionable direction. The addition of these new sports will give audiences the opportunity to witness more dynamic and creative performances and demonstrate the diversity of the Olympic movement.
► Adjustments to Traditional Events
However, some traditional events will be eliminated from the Paris Olympics. For example, the men's 50km race walk in track and field and some weightlifting weightlifting weight classes will be eliminated. Furthermore, the number of boxing participants will be reduced by 34 compared to the Tokyo Olympics. These adjustments are intended to adapt to the new event designation principles and allow more young people the opportunity to participate in the Olympic program.
► Future of Surfing
Surfing will also be retained at the Paris Olympics and is expected to be made a permanent event. According to Zhou Changcheng, Director of the First Department of the Aquatic Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, surfing is expected to regain official status at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Los Angeles, the surfing capital and birthplace of surfing, and the location of the International Surfing Federation headquarters, significantly increase the likelihood of surfing making another appearance at these Olympics.
► Breakdancing Content and Features
Breaking, becoming an official Olympic sport for the first time, was undoubtedly a highlight of the Paris Olympics. This sport, unlike street dance, emphasizes the spirit and aura of "breaking." Breakdancing moves must be both challenging and unique, and participants must maintain a refined demeanor and a relaxed posture, striving to create extreme moves that reflect their individual characteristics and physical attributes.
► Skateboarding Rules
The skateboarding program at the Paris Olympics remains the same as at the Tokyo Olympics, with four gold medals awarded in street and bowl events. Skateboarding is divided into street and bowl events, with competitors completing designed routes and challenging moves in simulated street scenes or deep water pools. Street skateboarding competitions require athletes to perform a series of maneuvers on their skateboards in simulated street scenes, while bowl events take place in a deep pool with various obstacles, requiring competitors to leverage their speed and skillfully utilize the equipment to pull off soaring maneuvers.
► Breakdancing and the Future of the Olympics
These events, popular among young people and highly entertaining to watch, are precisely the long-term development direction pursued by the Olympic program. Younger events like breakdancing align with the Olympic movement's trend toward dynamism and creativity. Conversely, events that align with this trend are being phased out. This not only appeals to younger audiences but also helps maintain the vitality and innovation of the Olympic Movement.
