The 2024 Paris Olympics will feature an exciting lineup of new sports, reflecting the evolving interests and trends in the global sporting landscape. Among the fresh additions are breakdancing, surfing, and skateboarding, each offering a unique flavor to the Games. Breakdancing, officially called breaking, is set to bring dynamic and energetic street dance performances to the Olympic stage. Surfing and skateboarding, which have gained significant popularity in recent years, will showcase thrilling action and athleticism. These new sports aim to engage a broader audience and highlight the diversity of modern athletic pursuits. As Paris prepares to host the Games, the inclusion of these sports promises to enhance the Olympic experience and offer fans a chance to witness some of the most exciting and contemporary athletic disciplines. Here’s a detailed look at new sports 2024 Paris Olympics, and what fans can expect from them in the upcoming Games.
List of New Sports at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics will introduce several new sports. These additions reflect the growing popularity of urban and extreme sports, offering fresh excitement and diverse entertainment for audiences worldwide. Each sport brings unique elements and energy to the Olympic Games.
1. Breaking
One of the most exciting additions to the 2024 Olympics is breaking, commonly known as breakdancing. Originating in the 1970s during block parties in the Bronx, New York City, breakdancing is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Over the years, it has evolved into a competitive performance art that showcases athleticism, creativity, and individual expression. At the Paris Games, breaking will feature solo dance battles between male and female athletes, specifically 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls.

The competition format consists of head-to-head matchups where dancers will perform routines to music provided by a DJ. Judges will score each performance based on technical skill, creativity, and style, which adds an exciting layer of unpredictability to the competitions. The decision to include breaking in the Olympics follows its successful debut at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, where it captured the attention of a global audience.
Athletes like Victor Montalvo from Team USA, who gained recognition for his talent and skill in the breaking community, have become influential figures in promoting the sport. Montalvo hopes to inspire young dancers to pursue their passion and showcase the art form on an international stage.
2. Kayak Cross
Another thrilling addition to the Olympic lineup is kayak cross, a competitive event that challenges kayakers not only in terms of speed but also skill and strategy. While traditional kayak races often feature solo time trials, kayak cross introduces a head-to-head format where kayakers navigate a course filled with obstacles, upstream and downstream gates, while competing against each other. This high-octane event requires athletes to demonstrate agility, strength, and quick decision-making as they maneuver through the rapid waters.

Participants will also be required to complete a 360-degree roll, testing their skills and composure under pressure. Kayak cross stands out for its intense competitive nature and the exciting spectacle it provides for spectators. Among the athletes to watch in kayak cross is Great Britain’s Joe Clarke, a decorated kayaker with three consecutive world titles and prior Olympic experience. In the women’s category, Australia’s Jessica Fox, known for her dominance in the sport, has also excelled in kayak cross, making her a fierce contender for a gold medal.
3. Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is a notable addition to the sailing events in the 2024 Olympics, comprising one of the ten sailing competitions. This dynamic sport combines aspects of surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding, giving athletes the ability to harness wind power while performing incredible maneuvers on water. Competitors hold onto a control handle attached to a large kite, using wind propulsion to race across a designated course. The unique blend of speed, agility, and performance artistry makes kiteboarding a visually stunning event.

With its introduction, sailing is revolutionized, and fans can look forward to thrilling races featuring quick turns and high jumps. Athlete Eleanor Aldridge from Great Britain stands out as a competitor to watch in kiteboarding, having recently claimed victory at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships. Her passion for the sport and competitive spirit positions her as a strong contender on the Olympic stage.
Other Notable Changes and Innovations
Breaking, kayak cross, and kiteboarding are garnering attention as new events, the 2024 Olympics will also experience changes in existing sports and their competitions. For example, the marathon relay mixed walking race will debut, allowing teams of one male and one female athlete to alternate turns, bringing a collaborative element to the race that has never been seen in the Olympics before. Additionally, artistic swimming, which has been a staple of the Games since 1984, will see the inclusion of men competing alongside women for the first time. This modern approach provides a more inclusive platform for athletes and showcases the evolution of sports within the Olympic framework.
Which Sport Will not Return at Olympic Games 2024?
Amid the excitement of new events, it’s important to recognize which sports will not be present in the 2024 Olympics. Karate, which made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, will not feature in Paris. Additionally, baseball and softball will also be absent, although they are slated for a comeback in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The omission of these sports underscores the IOC’s ongoing efforts to adapt the Olympic program to attract new fans and engage a broader audience. While traditional sports remain key to the Olympic identity, incorporating contemporary competition formats and urban sports like breaking and kiteboarding signals a commitment to evolve with cultural trends.
Conclusion
With the introduction of breaking, kayak cross, and kiteboarding in the 2024 Paris Olympics, a new era of Olympic sports is upon us. These competitions represent the evolving landscape of athletics and the pursuit of excellence in performance, creativity, and sport. As fans anticipate the opening ceremonies and the days filled with dynamic competitions, the excitement for these new sports will echo across the globe. By highlighting the unique characteristics of these sports and showcasing the passionate athletes behind them, the Paris Olympics promises to deliver unforgettable moments and inspire future generations. As we step into this new chapter, we can only imagine the thrilling outcomes that will unfold in the world of sports, and what it means for the Olympic legacy as it continues to adapt and shine in a modern context.