Overview
The Summer Olympic Games are always evolving, and the introduction of new sports brings fresh excitement. These additions reflect changing global interests and showcase the diversity of athletic talent worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore five of the newest sports that you’ll see while you’re watching the Olympics. Get ready to learn about these exciting competitions, their origins, and vocabulary related to the sports!
Surfing
Surfing made a splash when it debuted during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, bringing beach vibes to the global stage. With roots tracing back to ancient Polynesian culture, surfing involves riding waves on a board. The sport’s early history is rich with tradition, with Hawaiian chiefs once competing in surfing as a demonstration of strength and prowess. The term surf is believed to originate from the Indian word suffe, meaning coastline. Modern surfing gained popularity in Hawaii and California in the early 20th century, eventually becoming a global phenomenon.
Olympic surfing competitions take place in the ocean, using natural waves, which adds an element of unpredictability to the sport. Surfers are judged on their ability to ride and perform maneuvers on the waves, with style, speed, and power being key criteria.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding also rolled into the Olympics during the 2020 Games, bringing style and flair that captured the spirit of urban culture. Originating in the 1940s in California, skateboarding evolved from surfers wanting to ride waves on land. The sport quickly gained popularity among youth, known for its tricks and flips performed on streets or specially designed ramps. The term skateboard comes from the combination of skate (as in roller skate) and board. Its integration into the Olympics was a nod to its cultural significance and widespread appeal among younger audiences.
Skateboarding competitions in the Olympics are divided into two categories: street and park. Street skateboarding involves tricks on stairs, rails, and other obstacles, mimicking the urban environment where the sport was born. Park skateboarding, on the other hand, takes place in a bowl-shaped arena, allowing skaters to perform aerial tricks.
Sport Climbing
Sport climbing brought an exciting, new vertical challenge when it was added to Summer Olympics, testing athletes’ strength, speed, and agility. This sport emerged in the 1980s from traditional rock climbing and involves ascending artificial walls using a variety of holds. Unlike traditional climbing, sport climbing focuses on speed and technique rather than the natural environment.
The Olympic sport climbing competition consists of three disciplines: lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering. Lead climbing involves athletes climbing as high as possible on a wall within a set time. Speed climbing features climbers racing up a 15-meter wall, with the fastest time winning. Bouldering requires climbers to solve problems or routes on a lower wall without ropes, emphasizing technique and creativity.
Karate
When karate kicked its way into the Olympics in 2020, it introduced a blend of tradition and athleticism. Originating in Okinawa, Japan, in the 17th century, karate means “empty hand” in Japanese, reflecting its focus on unarmed combat. The sport emphasizes strikes, kicks, and defensive techniques, with practitioners honing their skills through rigorous training. Karate’s inclusion in the Olympics honored its rich history and global popularity, highlighting the art’s blend of physical prowess and philosophical discipline.
Olympic karate competitions are divided into two main categories: kumite and kata. Kumite is a sparring discipline where athletes face off in matches, scoring points for controlled, precise strikes. Kata, on the other hand, involves solo performances of a series of movements, judged on technique, speed, and power. Fun fact: Karate practitioners, known as karateka, train to break wooden boards or bricks, demonstrating their power and precision. This dramatic aspect of karate showcases the strength and focus required to master the art.
BMX Freestyle
With its high-flying tricks and stunts, BMX freestyle adds an adrenaline rush to the Olympics. Developed in the 1970s in California, BMX (Bicycle Motocross) freestyle involves performing tricks on a bike in skateparks or flatland areas. The sport originated from the motocross racing culture, with riders adapting their skills to bicycles. The term BMX combines bicycle and motocross, the latter referring to off-road motorcycle racing. BMX freestyle’s inclusion in the Olympics brought a dynamic and youthful energy to the games when it was added in 2020.
Olympic BMX freestyle competitions are held in specially designed parks with ramps and obstacles, allowing riders to showcase their aerial and technical skills. Judges score based on difficulty, originality, and execution of the tricks.
Summary
These new additions to the Summer Olympics not only enhance the variety of the games but also celebrate the rich histories and unique cultures of these sports. From the urban streets to the ocean waves, these sports bring new excitement and inspire the next generation of athletes. Their inclusion in the Olympics highlights the evolving nature of the games and the ever-expanding horizon of athletic achievement.
