The 2024 Summer Olympic Games created many iconic moments, viral clips, and world records. However, one video in particular has blown up on social media.
Australia’s Rachel “Raygun” Gunn’s performance was the source of much internet interest and controversy. This Olympics was the first in which breakdancing was recognized as an event, and it came along with much discussion. This discussion amplified following “Raygun’s” performance, with many people criticizing the wacky dancing and odd movements as being not to Olympic caliber.
The past six Olympic games have all included at least one new event. The first edition of the modern Olympic games only included 10 sports and 43 total events. Today that number has ballooned to be over 50 sports and 340 total events for the 2028 games. I believe that the games now include too many different sports, and instead of increasing for the 2028 games, they should look to cut a few. Events such as breaking, 3v3 basketball and coastal rowing should be victims of the cuts.
The oversaturation of sports has led to events feeling less meaningful and made the games more difficult to keep up with. Removing breaking, along with a couple of other events, would help bring back some value to the events that would remain.
Furthermore, the inclusion of breakdancing raises questions about the criteria for what makes a sport Olympic-worthy. Traditional Olympic events are often rooted in clear, objective measurements—fastest time, highest score, longest distance. Breakdancing, while relies heavily on subjective judging of style and creativity. This subjectivity can lead to controversies over scoring and fairness, detracting from the spirit of competition that the Olympics aim to uphold.
Another issue is the potential dilution of the Olympic brand. With so many events crammed into a few weeks, it becomes challenging for spectators to follow and appreciate each sport fully.
While innovation and inclusivity are valuable, the Olympics should prioritize maintaining a balanced and meaningful program. By scaling back on the number of events and carefully considering which sports align with the Olympic spirit, we can preserve the integrity and excitement that make the Games special. Removing breaking and similar events would be a step towards refocusing the Olympics on what truly matters: showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement on a global stage.
