Skateboarding, once seen as a rebellious subculture, has now cemented itself as a global sport, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is set to be its grand stage.
For many, the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics represents the sport’s evolution from urban streets and skateparks to a highly respected international platform. As Lykkers, get ready to witness skateboarding like never before!
A Brief History of Skateboarding in the Olympics
Skateboarding made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020, where it captivated the world with its creativity, agility, and daring tricks. The sport’s inclusion reflected the Olympic movement’s desire to appeal to younger audiences and embrace modern, fast-paced, urban sports. With the Paris 2024 Games just around the corner, skateboarding is set to push the boundaries once again, showcasing elite talent in both the Park and Street disciplines.
Skateboarding Disciplines: Park and Street
In the Olympic Games, skateboarding is divided into two main events: Park and Street, each with its own set of rules and competition style.
Street Skateboarding:
Street skateboarding takes place on a course that mimics an urban environment, featuring rails, stairs, ledges, and ramps. Skaters perform tricks on these obstacles, focusing on technical precision, style, and creativity. Scoring is based on the difficulty of the tricks, execution, and consistency. Lykkers who enjoy watching creativity and quick reflexes will love the street competition.
Park Skateboarding:
Park skateboarding takes place in a bowl-shaped arena with a series of ramps, transitions, and steep walls. Skaters are judged on their ability to maintain speed while performing tricks high above the coping (the lip of the bowl). The park discipline is known for its fluid style, with skaters linking tricks seamlessly as they flow from one section of the park to another.
How Skateboarding is Judged
In the Olympics, skateboarding is judged based on trick difficulty, execution, style, and flow. Competitors are given multiple runs during which they try to string together as many clean tricks as possible, and each run is scored by a panel of judges. Skaters will be awarded points for originality, difficulty, and the smoothness of their tricks. Falling or bailing out on tricks can result in lower scores, making consistency a key factor.
Skaters are given three attempts in the Street discipline to achieve their highest score, while in the Park discipline, they have 60-second runs to impress the judges with their repertoire of tricks and speed.
Getting Started with Skateboarding
For Lykkers who want to try skateboarding themselves, the sport is incredibly accessible. Skateboards can be purchased for as little as $50-100 for beginners, though higher-quality boards used by professionals can range upwards of $150-250. Essential protective gear like helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads should be worn, especially for those starting out, to avoid injury.
Skateparks are the best place to practice, as they offer various obstacles designed for tricks and learning. Many cities worldwide, including Paris, have well-maintained skateparks that cater to all skill levels. Skateboarding lessons are also widely available, with prices ranging from $20-50 per hour depending on the location and expertise of the instructor.
The Paris Olympic Skateboarding Venue
For the 2024 Olympic Games, the skateboarding events will take place at the Place de la Concorde in Paris. This historic square will be transformed into an urban sports arena, featuring state-of-the-art skateboarding courses. The venue’s central location will make it easily accessible to fans and visitors. Additionally, the skateboarding events are expected to draw a huge crowd, with many spectators excited to see the world’s best skaters battle for the gold.
Entry to Olympic events can range from €24 to €950, depending on the seat and the event stage, but specific pricing for the skateboarding competitions will be available closer to the event date. Tickets will be in high demand, especially for the finals, where gold medals will be on the line.
The Future of Skateboarding
The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics has already transformed the sport, providing increased recognition and support for athletes around the world. Skateboarding’s unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and risk has made it a fan favorite, especially among younger audiences.
Paris 2024 is expected to bring new talent, mind-blowing tricks, and a level of competition that will push the sport even further into the mainstream. With skateboarding’s growing influence, it’s clear that this once-niche activity is now firmly established as a key Olympic event. For Lykkers looking for an adrenaline-filled, creative, and awe-inspiring sport, skateboarding at the Paris Games is one not to miss!
Conclusion: A Thrilling Sport on the Rise
Skateboarding’s Olympic journey is just beginning, and the future is bright. Paris 2024 will showcase the best skaters in the world, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or new to the sport, there’s something exciting about seeing skateboarding elevated to the global stage. Prepare to be amazed as athletes from around the world compete in a display of skill, creativity, and fearlessness.
