Over the years, the games have evolved. New sports and events have been added and removed to reflect changing interests. For example, this summer, breaking (a style of street dance) and kayak cross (fast-paced white water sports) have been added, while sports like karate, baseball and softball will not be included. There is also a Winter Olympic Games, which will happen again in two years time.
The torch relay and ceremonies
The Olympic torch relay is a tradition that started in 1936. There is a flame which is lit in Olympia, Greece, and carried to the host city by various torchbearers (people who carry the torch). It symbolises peace and unity.
The Games officially begin and end with large opening and closing ceremonies, which feature performances, parades of athletes with their flags, and the lighting and putting out of the Olympic flame.
Olympic Sports
Athletics
Some athletic events include running, jumping, throwing and walking. Here are some (but not all) Olympic athletics events:
- Sprints: Short-distance races (e.g. 100m, 200m).
- Middle-distance: Races such as 800m and 1500m.
- Long-distance: Longer races like 5000m, 10000m, and the marathon.
- Hurdles: Races where athletes jump over obstacles.
- Relays: Team races where runners pass a baton (a type of stick).
- Pole vault: Jumping over a high bar with the help of a pole.
- Long jump: Athletes jump as far as possible.
- Triple jump: A sequence of three jumps.
- Shot-put: Throwing a heavy ball as far as possible.
- Discus throw: Throwing a heavy disc.
- Hammer throw: Throwing a heavy ball attached to a wire.
Swimming
In swimming, competitors can use a variety of strokes (types of swimming) and cover different distances. For example:
- Backstroke: Swimming on your back.
- Breaststroke: A swimming stroke with a frog-like kick.
- Butterfly: A stroke involving an overhead arm motion and a dolphin kick.
- Relay: Team race where each swimmer completes part of the distance.
Gymnastics
In gymnastics, there are floor and equipment-based events. Some of these are:
- Floor exercise: A routine performed on a spring floor.
- Rings: Gymnasts perform on two hanging rings.
- Parallel bars: Gymnasts perform on two parallel bars.
- Balance beam: Gymnasts perform on a narrow beam.
Paralympic events
There are many events at the Paralympic Games, including:
- Wheelchair basketball: A fast-paced sport played in wheelchairs.
- Para swimming: Swimming events adapted for athletes with physical impairments.
- Blind football: Football for visually impaired athletes, played with a ball that makes noise.
- Para powerlifting: Weightlifting adapted for athletes with physical impairments.
Some Paralympic events involve visually impaired athletes competing alongside sighted guides or athletes with physical disabilities using specialised equipment. These adaptations ensure that all athletes can compete fairly and demonstrate their talents.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are not only a celebration of sport but also a way for countries around the world to come together. By learning some useful sports vocabulary related to the Olympic and Paralympic games, you can enjoy talking about the international competition with friends and family.
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris take place from July 26th to August 11th, 2024. The Paralympic Games will be held from August 28th to September 8th, 2024.
What other Olympic or Paralympic events do you know? Share in the comments below!
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.