Skateboarding will make its second Olympic appearance at the Paris 2024 Games after a widely praised debut at Tokyo 2020. The urban sport provided a platform for youthful talent to shine on the world’s biggest sporting stage, creating many memorable moments. With skateboarding cementing its place as an Olympic sport, the race is now on for the world’s premier skateboarders to qualify for Paris 2024.
A total of 88 skateboarders (22 per event) will qualify to compete across four skateboarding events in Paris: men’s and women’s street and park competitions. Expect fierce competition for the coveted spots in the Olympic return for skateboarding in Paris 2024.
The 2024 Olympic Skateboarding Qualification System
The qualification system relies heavily on skateboarders earning points and rising up the Olympic World Skateboarding Rankings (OWSR). To be eligible for Paris 2024, skateboarders must firstly ensure they are listed by name on the finalised OWSR rankings which will be published on June 24, 2024.
Their positioning on the OWSR will be compiled based on results from designated qualifying events during the two-year Olympic qualification period from June 2022 to June 2024.
The rankings take into account five tiers of events:
- World Skateboarding Championships
- Olympic Qualifying Series Events
- Pro Tour Events
- 5-Star Events
- 3-Star Events
New for Paris 2024, Continental Championships now fall under the 3-star event category. Points earned at these events, along with National Championships, will directly impact skateboarders’ OWSR rankings and their qualification prospects.
The season splits for calculating OWSR rankings are:
- 2022 season: June 22 – December 31
- 2023 season: January 1 – December 31
- 2024 season: January 1 – June 23
Crucial Olympic Qualifying Series
As qualification heats up from now through June 2024, all eyes turn to the Olympic Qualifying Series. This newly introduced event series is unfolding through March-June 2024 in the lead up to the finalised OWSR rankings.
The Olympic Qualifying Series consists of three landmark qualifying events where skateboarders have the last major opportunities to boost their world rankings. Their performances here could make or break their Paris 2024 qualification chances.
With competition for the 80 performance-based Olympic spots (outside of host nation places and Universality Places) reaching its peak, the Olympic Qualifying Series is the final chance for skateboarders to cement their credentials. Only the world’s best will secure those coveted spots for skateboarding’s hugely anticipated return to the Olympics.
The Thrill of Qualification
With skateboarding’s Olympic return sure to thrill in Paris, the world’s premier skateboarders are now putting it all on the line to secure qualification over the coming months. An intense and dramatic race is unfolding across both street and park events as skateboarders fights for every last point. Their results on the OWSR through June 2024 will ultimately determine if their Olympic dreams become a reality.
For both athletes and fans alike, it’s an exciting and tense time on the road to Paris 2024. The qualification process is well underway and competition is fierce at each event. As showcased in spectacular fashion at Tokyo 2020, skateboarding and the Olympics are a perfect match. Paris 24 promises to deliver another unforgettable show. Now it’s up to the world’s top skateboarders to qualify and seize their moment when skateboarding in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
