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Breakdancing and three other sports took another step towards appearing at the Paris 2024 Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday voted in favor of their inclusion.
The Paris 2024 organizing committee in February proposed surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing as well as breakdancing for inclusion in the Games and the IOC's executive board gave the initial green light in March.
On Tuesday the IOC session voted unanimously for their inclusion in the 2024 program, but the sports face one final review in late 2020 before a final decision is taken, IOC President Thomas Bach said.
France’s b-boy Martin competes during a battle at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 08, 2018. /VCG Photo
Breaking and climbing both appeared as medal events at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 while surfing, climbing and skateboarding will be part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics next year.
"This is another amazing day for Olympic surfing, as we move one step closer to Paris 2024 and long-term Olympic inclusion," said Fernando Aguerre, International Surfing Association President.
"I want to thank both the IOC Membership and the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee for believing in our sport and for recognizing the value it brings. We are humbled and honored by the confidence placed in us."
It is planned that the four sports will have a total of 248 athletes, split evenly between men and women.
French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd, L) and Co-Chairman of Paris 2024 Tony Estanguet (L) visit the site of the future Olympic Sailing venue at the "Marina Olympique" nautical base in Marseille, France, September 21, 2017. /VCG Photo
Paris Games organizers said they want to deliver a program that is in keeping with the times and will attract a new and younger audience.
"The four sports that Paris has proposed are all totally in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 because they contribute to making the program more gender balanced and more urban, and offer the opportunity to connect with the younger generation," said IOC President Thomas Bach.
Under new IOC rules first introduced for the Tokyo Games, Olympic host cities can hand-pick sports and propose them for inclusion in those Games if they are popular in that country and add to the Games' appeal.
The IOC is eager to refresh the Games' sports program to remain relevant to sponsors, broadcasters and fans.
(With input from Reuters, Xinhua)