Revolutionary games. By choosing to include four new disciplines on the Olympic program, including breakdancing, climbing, surfing and skateboarding, the leaders of Paris 2024 are upsetting the traditional scheduling of the Games. Karate, squash or pétanque which had begun to dream become disillusioned.
A total of 12 new events will see the light of day for a total of 248 athletes respecting a perfect parity of 124 women for 124 men.
THE BREAKDANCE
For what? This is the great curiosity of the facelift proposed by Paris 2024. A cultural phenomenon in the United States but also in France considered as the second homeland of hip-hop, breakdance is located on the border between art and sport as the famous choreographer points out. Mourad Merzouki. There would be 30 million regular practitioners in the world. “It’s a logical and obvious choice,” explained Jean-Philippe Gatien, sports director of Paris 2024.
What test? The principle chosen will be that of a one-on-one battle to the rhythm of a DJ who will change music at each face-to-face. “It’s innovative, filled with suspense and improvisation,” concludes Gatien.
Or? These “new” disciplines do not require permanent infrastructures. The department of 93 has already applied to host hip-hop and other so-called urban sports.
How much ? 32 athletes with equal parity between men and women.
The French to follow. Martin Lejeune, 16, silver medalist at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires last October. Her colleague Carlota Dudek, 4th in the women’s event “will also be one of the faces to follow” according to the president of the federation.
CLIMBING
Already invited to Tokyo, climbing, of which 44% of practitioners in France are women, will therefore see its Olympic adventure continue and become part of the long term.
What a test. In Tokyo, only two medals (one for women, another for men) will be distributed. In 2020, the Japanese will offer a combined event combining the three disciplines of indoor climbing (bouldering, difficulty and speed). In Paris, the organizers have scheduled a speed test (the athletes climb a 15-meter wall as quickly as possible) where “the best take six seconds”, enthuses Gatien. A combined event (block + difficulty) will award two additional medals.
Or ? For the moment no information has filtered on the place of the installations.
How much ? 72 athletes with equal parity between men and women.
The French to follow. Among the women, the Savoyard Julia Chanourdie, 2018 French champion in Difficulty and Combined. In the men’s category, junior Sam Haveson, bronze medalist at the last YOG could be one of the headliners for Paris 2024.
SURF
Present in Tokyo as climbing for a first Olympic test, surfing is the other lifestyle sport. With 35 million practitioners worldwide, 40% of whom are under the age of 24, the discipline dear to the Beach Boys will rejuvenate the Paris Games. 24 competitors (men and women) will compete.
What test? It was the short board that was chosen. Short boards – the best known to the general public – de facto eliminate the Long Board or even the stand-up paddle.
Or ? A priori the Landes (Lacanau) or Basque (Biarritz) coasts are serious candidates. But there was talk of an artificial site. This option does not seem to hold the cord for the moment.
How much ? 48 athletes: 24 women and 24 men.
Hopes. Among the women, Reunionese Johanne Defay, winner of three stages of the World Cup and best European surfer, may be the headliner. Vahiné Fierro, Hina Conradi and Juliette Lancôme will also be safe bets. Among the men to follow: Thomas Debierre, Noa Dupouy, Jorgan Couzinet and Maxime Huscenot.
THE SKATEBOARD
Be careful, the terms “tricks” and “runs” will have to enter your vocabulary. Of the 30 million practitioners on the planet, half of them are under 17 years old. Like what the world of skiing experienced with the arrival of slopestyle skiing or snowboardcross on the program of the Winter Games, the Olympics will experience a makeover.
What trials? Street events (figures performed on obstacles that reproduce street furniture) and in a skatepark with jumps of up to 4 meters high are on the program.
How much ? 96 athletes with equal parity between men and women.
Or ? No indication for the moment but the department of 93 has also applied.
Hopes. Among the women, Charlotte Hym, 2017 and 2018 French Street champion and Shanyne Bru can do well. Among their male counterparts, Aurélien Giraud (4th in the last world championships) and Vincent Milou.