Skateboarding is a relatively recent addition to the Olympic sports roster, having been introduced in 2020. However, it has quickly become a favorite among viewers, capturing the attention of millions with its thrilling nature. It's no surprise that it's set to return for Paris 2024. We all understand that skateboarding requires mastering a steep learning curve and developing a significant skill gap, which makes it even more thrilling to watch. The real question is, why wasn't it included in the Olympics sooner? Well, better late than never, as they say. We are eagerly following the competitions this year, and for skaters, these events are unmissable. But even if you're just curious about the sport and enjoy watching bold competitors soar off ramps and seemingly defy gravity, this post should help you understand what's happening.
To start with, there are two disciplines that will have distinct events and competitors: park and street. In the park event, each rider navigates through a series of bowls and bends, while the street event is held on a linear course featuring street elements such as rails and stairs, mimicking an urban setting. Each style is quite distinct, which is why they are separate. In the park, riders build up speed to achieve big air and perform impressive tricks, whereas in street, riders are racing against the clock and judged on their technical ability to land tricks.
Each event is divided into two rounds: prelims and finals, further separated into men’s and women’s events:
- 27th July – Men’s Street
- 28th July – Women’s Street
- 6th August – Women’s Park
- 7th August – Men’s Park
Introducing Team GB for Skateboarding
At Paris 2024, we welcome back Sky Brown for the Women’s Park Event, accompanied by 16-year-old Lola Tambling and 50-year-old Andy Mcdonald. This team will represent Great Britain in the park events, so be sure to watch them in action and cheer them on! The skaters will be evaluated using the World Skateboarding Ranking System.
The Venue
With extreme sports events becoming increasingly popular this year, Paris has transformed La Concorde into an urban sports complex, ideally suited for skateboarding, BMX freestyle, and 3x3 basketball. This venue is a perfect choice for attendees, thanks to its convenient public transport links and proximity to the city center.
So gear up for a fantastic year of skateboarding, as the competition in Paris this Summer is set to be more intense than ever!