Ultra-trendy in the 90s and then 2000s and made popular thanks in particular to Jay Adams, Rodney Mullen not forgetting the legend Tony Hawk, skateboarding is definitely present at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Announced as one of the four additional sports proposed by Paris 2024 - alongside breakingclimbing and surfing, skateboarding has for the very first time made its presence felt at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, as a " new sport ". In 2024, skateboarding is back with a vengeance, to the delight of all board sports fans.
Considered a relatively young sport, it was in the 1950s that skateboarding developed in the United States, and more specifically in California. The board - under which two axles ( trucks) are fixed to hold two wheels - is initially used as a means of transport. Over time, it became a trendy object and a sport for performing acrobatic tricks. The very first skateboarding competition took place in California in 1963. The same year, skateboarding made its first appearance in Europe, notably in France. The first competition in France was organized in 1965. Often associated with the underground alternative movement of the 1980s, skateboarding unites enthusiasts around the values of freedom and rebellion.
This summer, the famous skateboarding events will take place in two phases: on July 27 and 28, 2024, make way for the Street events, followed by the Park on August 6 and 7. In both disciplines, the events will be held on the mythical Place de la Concorde in Paris,"in a real temporary open stadium", says the Paris 2024 Olympics website.
After making its debut at the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games in 2014, skateboarding truly made its debut as a " new sport " at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. This year, for its second participation in the Olympic Games, skateboarding is therefore one of the four additional sports proposed by Paris 2024.
First and foremost, it's important to know that skateboarding is made up of two flagship disciplines: Park and Street. In the first, athletes aim to perform a series of aerial tricks in a park (or bowl). The park's curves enable athletes to pick up speed and perform a series of acrobatic tricks. Each rider has three forty-five second runs to show what he can do. The best of these runs is used to determine the final ranking.
Criteria for scoring the most points include amplitude, reception and diversity of each trick, as well as technique and originality. Skaters' ability to use the entire surface is also assessed.
In the second discipline, Street, riders have to perform the most beautiful tricks ( or figures) in a street furniture setting, including stairs, ramps and rails. To decide between them, the jury examines not only the tricks performed, but also the riders' ability to control their boards. Skaters have two runs of forty-five seconds to make up the difference, and must perform five tricks.
For these Paris 2024 Olympic Games, several French athletes are worth keeping a close eye on, including Aurélien Giraud (street) and Vincent Milou (street), who could well walk away with a medal. And let's not forget Madeleine Larcheron (park), Charlotte Hym (street) and Vincent Matheronfrom Marseilles (park).
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Dates and Opening Time
From July 26th, 2024 to August 11th, 2024
Location
Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde
75008 Paris 8
Official website
www.paris2024.org