At some point in everybody’s life we all dream of competing in the Olympic Games. After a bit, however, it becomes apparent that if you haven’t spent every day since you were a toddler practicing the splits you aren’t going to make it as an Olympic gymnast. It may not be hopeless, however! Last summer the Olympic Committee announced that they are adding 5 new sports to the roster in time for Tokyo 2020. Read on to decide whether these sports might just be for you!
1. Baseball/Softball
Batter up for 2020! America’s favourite sport is making its way back into the Big Leagues after having been pushed aside after the 2008 Beijing games. The proposal is for Men’s Baseball and Women’s Softball, and I’ll let you read some feminist theory into that if you so wish.
2. Karate
What better Olympics to introduce Karate than at the Tokyo Games? The competitions will be split into two categories: Kata (individual forms) and Kumite (sparring). Each category will be available for both men and women, and Kumite will be further divided into weight classes.
3. Skateboarding
Finally, you can prove to your parents that skating is a legitimate pass time. The two skating styles that will be able to compete are Street Skating (using urban obstacles such as rails) and Park Skating (using purpose-built terrain like you would find in a skate park). Both styles will be available to men and women, so break out your inner Tony Hawk and shred!
4. Sport Climbing
Also known as indoor rock-climbing, this is as close to being Spiderman as anyone is ever going to get. The competitions will be divided into two categories: Bouldering (climbing on a wall less than fifteen feet tall with no rope), and combined Lead (climbing a tall wall starting with the rope on the ground with you) and Speed (a race to the top of the wall). If you want to be a ninja, this is the one for you!
5. Surfing
Last on our list is shortboard surfing. The only thing I have to say is that this will either be incredibly fun or brutally boring to watch, because it will be all about waiting for waves. Nevertheless this is an awesome sport available for both women and men, so if that’s your thing go for it!
There you have it, five new chances for Olympic glory! If you’re feeling the motivation, get out there and find your passion.
Photo Credits: wikipedia, sportskeeda.com, hooplaskateboards.com, rockclimbingfairfield.com, forcechange.com