JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics draws closer, anticipation is building for the inclusion of two dynamic urban sports: skateboarding and breakdancing.
First Coast News had the opportunity to speak with Martin Ramos, the owner of Kona Skate Park in which Tony Park once skated at, and Javier, the owner and operator of Javier's Hip-Hop Dance Class, both located in Jacksonville, to get their perspectives on these groundbreaking additions to the Olympic Games.
Ramos, a passionate advocate for skateboarding, expressed his excitement about the sport's return to the Olympics for the second time.
"Skateboarding is not just a sport, it's a culture, a lifestyle," Ramos told First Coast News. "Being included in the Olympics gives it the recognition it deserves on a global stage."
Ramos believes that showcasing skateboarding in such a prestigious event will inspire countless individuals to take up the sport and further elevate its status worldwide.
Meanwhile, Javier, whose hip-hop dance class fosters creativity and self-expression, sees the inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics as a monumental moment for the art form.
"Hip-hop is more than just dance; it's a cultural movement that originated from the streets," Javier said. "Bringing breakdancing to the Olympics is a testament to its evolution and significance."
Javier believes that by exposing a wider audience to breakdancing through the Olympics, it will highlight its artistic merit and broaden its appeal beyond traditional boundaries.
As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, the addition of skateboarding and breakdancing represents a significant step forward in recognizing the diversity and vibrancy of sports and arts. Ramos and Javier are just two voices among many who celebrate these urban cultures' inclusion in the Olympic Games, emphasizing their importance and impact on global audiences.