At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, skateboarding is shifting from the streets to the dynamic park course at La Concorde. This change promises to deliver a competition that is just as thrilling, dynamic, and spectacular as ever.
Skateboarding’s park events will showcase jaw-dropping 540s, daring body varials, and other gravity-defying tricks. Skaters will navigate a magnificent concrete playground, performing flips, spins, hand-plants, and grinds that blend artistic expression with athletic prowess. Over two days of intense competition, they will push the boundaries of what’s possible, aiming to impress both judges and spectators alike.
With thousands of fans expected to pack the stands, the atmosphere at La Concorde will be electric as skateboarding park makes its second Olympic appearance.
A Unique Olympic Event
Skateboarding’s elite are eager to display their skills at Paris 2024. Veteran skater Andy Macdonald highlighted the heightened enthusiasm among skaters during a training session at La Concorde. “Skateboarding has embraced the Olympics a lot more this time around,” said the 51-year-old British skater. “In Tokyo, everyone was a bit unsure, but the street finals here were one of the best contests ever.”
Macdonald is among the 44 talented skaters competing, including Olympic champions Keegan Palmer and Yosozumi Sakura, world champions Gavin Bottger and Hiraki Cocona, and Olympic Qualifier Series winners Arisa Trew and Tate Carew. The anticipation is so high that even legends like Tony Hawk struggle to secure tickets for their families.
The venue’s iconic location enhances the experience for competitors. “You skate across the deck and see the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais,” Macdonald marveled. The park itself is technically impressive, as noted by 15-year-old Australian skater Ruby Trew, who called it “super cool” and her favorite so far. French skater Vincent Matheron agreed, humorously adding, “I hope I’ll still be happy with it at the end of the contest, or I’ll just do the French guy thing and complain.”
An Electrifying Atmosphere
The atmosphere at La Concorde is already setting the tone for an unforgettable event. Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Sky Brown shared her excitement: “The crowd has been crazy, even during practice. Seeing the stands full of people has been really cool, and it’s hyping us up for the competition.”
With all the right elements in place, the skateboarding park competition at Paris 2024 is poised to be a spectacular event. The action kicks off on August 6.
Skateboarding Park Schedule at Paris 2024
All times CET:
6 August
- 12:30 p.m. Women’s Park Prelims
- 5:30 p.m. Women’s Park Final
7 August
- 12:30 p.m. Men’s Park Prelims
- 5:30 p.m. Men’s Park Final
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