Learn about the evolving landscape of Olympic sports, and how Sport:80 supports several Olympic governing bodies with advanced technology that enhances member engagement and operational efficiency.

The Olympic Games have long been recognised as the pinnacle of international sports competition, showcasing the best athletes and teams from across the world. Over the years, the list of sports included in the Olympics has evolved considerably, reflecting changes in global sports culture and interests. As we look forward to the Paris 2024 Games, it’s worth exploring the history and diversity of Olympic sports, as well as the new disciplines making their debut.

A brief history of Olympic sports

The modern Olympic Games, which began in Athens in 1896, initially featured just nine sports: athletics, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling. Since then, the list has expanded significantly. The Olympic Charter decrees that the sports for each edition of the Games should be decided at an International Olympic Committee (IOC) session no later than seven years before the Games.

Some sports have been ever-present - athletics, aquatics (swimming), cycling, fencing, and artistic gymnastics have never been absent from the Summer Olympics. These core sports represent the traditional foundation of the Olympic program.

Recent changes and new sports

The landscape of Olympic sports has shifted significantly in recent years. On 3rd August 2016, the IOC voted to add baseball/softball, karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding as optional sports for the 2020 Summer Olympics. This decision marked a significant departure from traditional sports, highlighting the growing recognition of a wider range of physical activities.

The inclusion of skateboarding, for instance, signalled a broader acceptance of non-traditional disciplines as legitimate competitive sports. This shift aligns with the evolving perception of what constitutes a sport, validating diverse forms of physical expression and competition.

READ MORE: What makes a sport a sport?

Continuing this trend, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee announced on 21 February 2019 the proposal to include breakdancing, further broadening the scope of the Olympic Games and demonstrating the Olympics’ commitment to being adaptable and flexible in the modern era.

Further still, earlier this month IOC President Thomas Bach announced that their Executive Board proposed the creation of 'Olympic Esports Games', with an announcement on the event expected ‘very soon’.

What sports are at the Paris 2024 Olympics?

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will feature a total of 45 disciplines, including both traditional and newer sports. The event promises to be a vibrant and inclusive celebration of global sports culture, with something for everyone. From classic competitions in athletics and swimming to thrilling new events in skateboarding and climbing, Paris 2024 is set to be the next exciting chapter in Olympics history.

Sport:80 clients at Paris 2024

As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sport:80 is proud to support many of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) whose athletes will be competing. In fact, 31 Sport:80 clients will be represented across the 45 disciplines being competed in at the Games.

Our expertise in the sports technology sector has allowed us to develop strong relationships with key organisations and ensure our Platform meets the complex needs of Olympic governing bodies.

Our role and expertise

Sport:80 support a number of Olympic sports with our transformative and flexible technology solutions. We have more than 75 clients across five countries and three continents, and since the company was founded in 2012, we have established key relationships with organisations such as UK Sport, Sport Ireland, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Our technology is specifically designed to align with the needs of the NGBs working underneath these organisations.

For years we have worked closely with the USOPC to ensure that the Sport:80 Platform continues to meet the needs of their NGBs, and the Sport:80 Platform now supports more than 20 organisations under the USOPC umbrella, demonstrating our commitment to providing top-tier solutions for the wider sports community.

Supporting Olympic NGBs to achieve their goals

The impact of our work is reflected in the success and satisfaction of our clients. The Sport:80 Platform provides a technological backbone that allows these organisations to streamline processes, enhance member engagement, and make data-driven strategic decisions. Our Platform’s versatility and reliability have made it a trusted choice for Olympic governing bodies worldwide.

As we look forward to the Paris 2024 Games, we are excited to continue supporting our clients and contributing to their success on the world stage. We are dedicated to empowering sports organisations with innovative technology solutions that drive growth and excellence in their respective fields.

The Olympics continues to evolve, embracing new sports and reflecting a changing global sports culture, and as a recognised market leader in the sports technology sector, we are incredibly proud to support numerous NGBs in their Olympic campaigns, ensuring they have the tools and technology needed to achieve their goals.

To find out more about what we do at Sport:80, feel free to get in touch.