Buzz
Venture into the lesser-known world of the Olympics, where the limelight doesn't shine as brightly, yet the action is equally thrilling. While events like swimming and gymnastics dominate the stage, there’s a treasure trove of Olympic sports waiting for you to discover.
From the rapid excitement of roller speed skating to the stunning athleticism of breakdancing, these sports are the Game's bold outsiders, flourishing under the radar. Embark on a journey through these extraordinary events, where athletes break the mold and engage in sports that’ll captivate and leave you craving more. Brace yourself for the lesser-known wonders of the Olympics – ten sports that will leave you stunned and eager for the next round!
10. Skateboarding
Originating from the streets and surf culture of California in the 1950s, skateboarding quickly became a high-octane outlet for self-expression and rebellion. What started as a way for surfers to bring the sensation of riding waves to land evolved into a cultural force by the 1980s, embodying the ideals of individuality and pushing the limits of what's possible.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the world’s leading skateboarders exhibited their talents across two thrilling events: park and street. In the park category, athletes maneuvered through a challenging course with bowls and ramps, performing impressive tricks that defied gravity while maintaining control and speed. Judges closely evaluated every aerial stunt, rewarding inventiveness, height, and technical precision. The layout of the course mirrored real-world environments, featuring obstacles like stairs and handrails, showcasing the competitors' expertise in navigating urban landscapes.
Skateboarding’s debut at the Olympics went beyond just the pursuit of gold. It was a celebration of the sport’s growth, creativity, and distinctiveness. Every flip, grind, and high-flying trick reinforced skateboarding’s rightful place in the Olympics and solidified its cultural significance to a global audience.
9. Badminton
Badminton, a sport rich in strategic depth, evolved from the traditional game of Battledor and Shuttlecock. While initially popular among Europe’s upper class, the sport’s transition to formal competitive badminton remains somewhat unclear. One widely accepted story traces its origins to the Duke of Beaufort's estate in Gloucestershire in the early 1860s, with the game named after his grand residence, Badminton House.
Beyond Europe, badminton gained significant popularity in the military stations of India, before spreading through the British colonies and worldwide. Today, it enjoys a universal following, transcending cultural and national boundaries, and has become a global sensation.
In the fast-paced rallies and swift exchanges, the rules of badminton remain simple. Whether competing in singles or doubles, players battle for control of the court, divided by a net, aiming to strike the shuttlecock with accuracy or force their opponents into making mistakes.
Badminton has secured its place in Olympic history since it first appeared as a demonstration sport in 1972. From its modest beginnings, it has flourished into a key event. In the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, 172 athletes will compete in five exhilarating events, continuing the tradition of excellence that makes badminton such an exciting sport.
8. Marathon Swimming
Marathon swimming is an exhilarating Olympic event that made its debut at the 2008 Beijing Games. Athletes face the formidable challenge of swimming a 10-kilometer course in the open waters of seas, rivers, and lakes.
In the early years of the Olympics, all swimming events took place in natural bodies of water, as swimming pools weren't yet in use until 1908. Marathon swimming made its return in 1991 at the FINA World Swimming Championships, featuring a demanding 25-kilometer race that lasted over five hours. The 10-kilometer event was introduced at the FINA World Swimming Championships in 2001 in Fukuoka, Japan.
Marathon swimming is a true testament to an athlete’s strength, set against the vastness of open water environments like seas, rivers, and lakes. Completing a 10-kilometer race demands both exceptional physical endurance and mental resilience, as swimmers must contend with changing tides and currents while strategically conserving energy for the final sprint to the finish.
The last three kilometers? Get ready for an intense sprint to the finish after nearly two hours of continuous swimming.
7. Sport Climbing
Sport climbing, which evolved from traditional rock climbing, made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games with a bang. Athletes showcased their climbing abilities across three disciplines: boulder, lead, and speed. The final rankings? A combination of results from all three disciplines determines the champions. By multiplying the rankings from each event, the climber with the lowest total score earns the gold medal.
Get ready for something new in Paris 2024. There will be two distinct sport climbing events: a combined event featuring boulder and lead disciplines, and a separate speed climbing event. This inclusion has elevated the profile of sport climbing, attracting a new audience eager to watch the challenges and triumphs of this thrilling sport.
The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) serves as the governing body, ensuring fairness through standardized rules and high-quality infrastructure for global competitions. Climbers ascend artificial walls equipped with fixed anchors, while emphasizing the importance of environmental sustainability and responsible climbing practices. The sport's popularity continues to rise, with plans for further growth and innovation in future Olympic Games.
6. Handball
Olympic handball made its debut in 1936 in Berlin, where it was initially contested as a field event for men. After a brief pause, handball reappeared as a demonstration sport in 1952. It officially became an indoor sport with seven players at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
The women’s handball competition joined the Olympic Games in 1976 at the Montreal Summer Olympics, marking a significant milestone for gender inclusion in the sport. From 2008 to 2020, standout players like Michaël Guigou, Nikola Karabatic, and Luc Abalo helped France dominate, securing three gold medals and a silver at the Games.
Overseeing the sport from the sidelines, the International Handball Federation (IHF) governs the global rules and competitions. While handball has its roots in Europe, with European nations leading the way in world championships since 1938, success stories have also emerged from countries such as South Korea and Brazil.
Handball continues to grow worldwide, with more than 27 million registered players globally as of 2016. Its appeal extends far beyond Europe, reaching regions such as East Asia, North Africa, and parts of South America, making it a truly international sport that connects diverse cultures and continents.
5. Roller Speed Skating
Roller speed skating is an adrenaline-packed sport where athletes reach jaw-dropping speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h). The sport’s origins trace back to the first-ever Roller Speed Skating World Championship, held in Monza, Italy, in 1937.
Competitors race around outdoor or indoor rinks, featuring banked walls or closed road circuits, equipped with inline skates that have a maximum of five wheels, each not exceeding 110mm in diameter. Precision and speed are the name of the game.
The Olympics first featured roller sports in 1992 in Barcelona, showcasing quad rink roller hockey as a demonstration event. The growing push for Olympic recognition of roller sports finally came to fruition with the inclusion of skateboarding in the Tokyo 2020 Games. The sport continues to thrive, attracting athletes and fans worldwide with its intense competitions and physical demands.
4. Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering, affectionately called 'skimo,' is an exhilarating event that you simply cannot miss. Competitors race uphill and downhill, skillfully maneuvering through snow-covered mountains. This exciting sport traces its origins to ancient times when Nordic people developed skis for efficient travel over snowy landscapes.
The story of ski mountaineering takes root in Europe with German pioneer Wilhelm Paulcke, who made history in 1897 by completing the first alpine traverse, crossing the Bernese Oberland on skis. This event marked the birth of modern ski mountaineering, which has gained global recognition. Today, the sport boasts international competitions in Switzerland, France, Italy, North and South America, Russia, Scandinavia, China, South Korea, and Japan.
Ski mountaineering was part of the Olympic Games from 1924 to 1948 and is set for a triumphant return at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after a 78-year hiatus. The competition will feature both men's and women's sprint races and a mixed relay. This return to the Olympic stage marks a significant milestone for the sport and offers athletes a prime opportunity to display their skills globally.
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) governs the sport, which includes 38 national federations across Europe, Asia, and America. The sport’s unique combination of physical endurance and mountain exploration attracts athletes from various disciplines, including cycling, swimming, running, hiking, and mountaineering.
3. Futsal
Futsal is a fast-paced indoor version of soccer, played on a court similar to a basketball floor. It originated in the 1930s when Juan Carlos Ceriani developed the sport in Uruguay for YMCA competitions. Futsal quickly gained popularity in South America, especially in Brazil, where it became a breeding ground for honing exceptional football skills and nurturing legends like Pele, Zico, and Socrates.
Despite its global popularity and widespread participation, futsal has yet to be included in the Olympic Games. Advocates for its inclusion emphasize its massive following, widespread appeal, and potential to draw even more viewers to the event.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been cautious in expanding the list of Olympic sports due to concerns about costs and the limits of athlete participation. However, futsal’s success at events like the 2018 Youth Olympics has sparked hope among fans that it may eventually secure a spot in future Games. While the Olympics have not yet embraced futsal, its growing global popularity and grassroots support offer a promising outlook for its future.
2. Breakdancing
Step into the rhythm of breakdancing, also known as breaking. Breakdancing debuted at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018 and will appear at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born in the United States during the 1970s, breaking emerged from block parties in the Bronx, New York, becoming an integral part of hip-hop culture.
The Olympic embrace of breaking signifies a turning point for this dance form, elevating it from street culture to a recognized sport. In Paris 2024, the competition format will spotlight two separate events for men and women, where 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls will engage in electrifying solo battles.
Judging the breaking battles involves evaluating dancers based on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performance, and musicality. A panel of five judges carefully scrutinizes each breaker’s moves, with scores adjusted based on responses to opponents and penalties for any breaches of conduct, such as mimicking moves or unsportsmanlike behavior.
The Olympic introduction of breaking has stirred varied reactions within the breaking community. Some celebrate its inclusion as an opportunity to showcase the art form to a broader audience. Others voice concerns about maintaining its authenticity and cultural roots amid its transformation into an Olympic sport.
1. Surfing
Did you know that surfing's origins can be traced back to both Peru and Polynesia? James King famously documented the sport in Hawaii in 1779.
The dream of Olympic surfing became a reality thanks to the efforts of Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian legend and three-time Olympic freestyle champion, who advocated for the sport in the 1920s. This vision was realized at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where surfers from around the world competed for gold, silver, and bronze at Tsurigasaki Beach in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
The Olympic surfing competition was shaped by a collaboration between the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the World Surf League (WSL). In the shortboard category, 40 surfers, 20 men and 20 women, displayed their skills, marking a historic moment for the sport, which is enjoyed by over 25 million fans worldwide.
Surfing will return to the Olympic stage at the Paris 2024 Games, with Teahupo’o in Tahiti set as the venue for the surfing events. From July 27th to August 4th, the waves will host intense competition, highlighting the growing global appeal of the sport.
