THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
The Summer Olympics are now just a few short days away, and the world will be watching a whole spectrum of sports in Paris. From the high profile events of Track and Field to the finesse of Fencing, the frenzy of Handball to the more serene equestrian Dressage, there truly is something for everyone to spectate.
The athletes have worked to this point over the last four years and more. To reach Olympic standard, all competitors have put themselves through many hours of training, and sacrifice. Some will try to rewrite history and repeat medals won in the past or go one better. Others will delight in a win, while yet more will have upset and shock on their minds as they test themselves against the elite and fail.
The uniqueness of the Olympics means that there is more of a level playing field than in other competitions, with limited numbers of athletes per country in each discipline. Representing your country is a great honor and if they have reached this far, it is because each one of them has risen to new heights.
As well as the tried and tested events mentioned above, as each new generation comes along so do new sports that sometimes go overlooked. In some cases these will have a quirk to them that may raise eyebrows, but they should not be judged until seen. Here are some of the new events that have been included in Paris for the first time on this, the grandest of all stages. Check them out!
The one completely new event is that of Breaking. The 1970s hip-hop scene brought new sounds to the streets, and along with it a dynamic dance craze that had those into the genre literally in a spin. Breaking has many styles and variations and may not be seen by some as a "sport" but with tournaments held around the world, it is a hugely popular activity, and now will be witnessed by a global audience.
Other sports have had new categories added to their agendas. Artistic Swimming, commonly known as Synchronized Swimming will now have men competing in a team event. Staying in the water but in more of a splash is the Kayak Cross. Kayaking is a fast race against the clock, but now those competing will be racing against each other on the course in what will be an amazing spectacle. Just as fast will be the Kiteboarders. The waters may be a little smoother but this doesn't drop the excitement.
For the first time, men and women will be of equal numbers at this Games, and in a way of creating further equality, the Marathon Mixed Relay Walk has been devised – although the men will still walk that little bit further, attempting legs of 12.195 and 10 kilometers, while women will complete two 10-kilometer legs.
Team USA will again be one of the largest contingents of athletes across all sports, and many of those will be hotly tipped to win medals – although not everyone will go home happy! With new sports and new stars, and three years on from Tokyo (the last Olympics put back a year because of the Covid pandemic) this new generation of talent has some faces that otherwise don't get the spotlight on them.
Katie Grimes – Swimming
The 18-year-old is looking for a breakout Games that will take her to new levels of stardom. Having already gained experience at the Tokyo games aged 15, she has now come out of the pool – she competed in the 800-meter freestyle – it is the world of open water swimming that she is gaining plaudits. Having gained Bronze at the World Championships last year, she became the first to book a place in Paris this year.
Kevin Durant – Basketball
Ever since the 1992 Dream Team, the men's basketball team has always been hotly tipped to win Gold. They enter each time as favorites and this time is no exception. When you have the likes of Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid on the roster it is easy to see why. Durant though has another milestone that he should pass during the tournament. Needing just 54 points to become the leading scorer for the USA, either men or women, in the Olympics. Should they win Gold, it will be his fourth time standing on the top podium making him the leading man in that category.
Scottie Scheffler – Men's Golf
The world's number one golfer, and seemingly favorite for every Major that he enters, Scheffler will look to add Gold medal winner to his remarkable career. Golf is one of the sports that some see as not Olympic-worthy, but it has been back in the event since 2016 after over a hundred-year absence. Scheffler has the nerve, and undeniable talent to claim Gold but will have to stave off challenges from his compatriots Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele, as well as the other 56 making up the field.
Maggie Steffens – Women's Water Polo
A sport that needs huge endurance and athletic ability, it's a wonder why this event goes under the radar as much as it does, only to surface every four years it would seem. Steffens is the captain and leader of a USA team that has won three straight titles, and the 31-year-old is making a splash again with her squad having won the World title earlier this year. Already the leading scorer in USA history with 56 goals, she will look to lead her team to a fourth title, and, maybe even better the tally of 18 that she scored in Tokyo three years ago.
Gavin Bottger – Skateboarding
The X Games have been popular for many years now, taking the style of street sports into a competitive arena. Now with that recognition, sports are being introduced in the mainstream. One such that made its debut in Tokyo is skateboarding. A hobby that is easy to take up is now a high-flying watch, Bottger is a native of California, and the 17-year-old will aim to take his X Games form into Paris but will be aware of fierce skaters from Brazil and Australia.
Olivia Reeves – Weightlifting
The strong men and women will vary in weight categories and styles of lifts, and their strength is something to behold. Reeves is 21 and started getting into the sport after being involved in Crossfit, given a helping hand in that area by her mother who owned a gym. An American record holder in the 63kg class, her clean and jerk could take her onto the podium in the coming weeks.
Follow Team USA – and see who's qualified for Paris from your state – at www.teamusa.com
