The Olympic Games, an international sensation is one of the biggest things happening every four years. However, as the world evolves, so do Olympic games. In recent years, significant changes have been introduced, challenging the traditional aspects the Olympic games have gotten used to. 

       The recent Olympics have placed a strong emphasis on climate change, which could have a significant impact on the future of Olympic sports, specifically winter. But one of the crucial problems for the IOC (International Olympic Committee) will be the future of the Winter Olympics. For example, speed skating used to take place outdoors, but the freezing temperatures in many locations are not as guaranteed anymore, let alone a level playing field during an event, this event takes place primarily indoors now. Winter seasons also become shorter, which makes it more challenging to organize both the Olympics and Paralympics in one season. As a result of freezing winter conditions, fewer people are going to have access to winter sports, which in effect, will reduce the amount of athletes competing. 

       Another significant recent change is technology. Without a doubt, technology is one of the most significant changes coming to the Olympics. Technology is changing so rapidly that it is impossible to comprehend what is in store to come. With Artificial Intelligence and Virtual and Augmented Reality already developed, the new technologies will have made these things redundant by 2040. Something like holographic representation, which allows athletes to be beamed in real-time on the pitch, makes it seem like in the future, you might as well watch the Games in your stadium in your city. When asking other students around the school if they like this rapid advancement in technology for the games, Joshua Houston, 11, said, “I believe that the technology is advancing too fast in general, and now I feel like everything in the world is online, so I feel like doing this to quickly in the Olympics could impact the way they run things in the future. Overall, I do not think it’s a good idea.” 

       The inclusion of new and youth-oriented sports in recent Olympic Games and the games in the future  have been in part to a major effort to engage a younger and more diverse audience. These sports, including skateboarding, surfing, and sport climbing, represent a significant departure from the traditional Olympic program with the original events. One of the primary reasons for including new sports in the Olympics is to appeal to a more broad and younger demographic of people. Traditional Olympic sports such as track and field, swimming, and gymnastics have a rich history of success, but they may not intrigue younger generations who are interested in action sports and alternative athletic disciplines. The addition of these new sports shows that the Olympic movement has to evolve to remain relevant and connect with the more contemporary, younger audiences. These sports are known for their vibrant and passionate communities, especially the biggers sports, and their inclusion can help bridge the generation gap in the viewership aspect of the Games. The encompassing of new and youth-oriented sports in recent Olympic Games reflects a concerted effort to attract a more diverse audience, and while these traditions may deviate from some traditional Olympic values, they also promote innovation and inclusivity within the Olympic movement. Arriving at the right balance between tradition and progress will continue to be a topic of debate as the Olympics evolve to meet the expectations of a new generation of athletes and fans. When asked about the latest sports added to the games and their interest level to fans, Spencer Kiser, 11, said: “I would certainly watch these sports; they seem fun and interesting. The one I am most interested in watching, though, is probably skateboarding.”

       In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a central theme in the planning and executing of the Olympic Games. This shift represents a marked departure from the resource-intensive approach in past Games and highlights a growing global awareness of environmental concerns. One of the fundamental changes in recent Olympics has been the emphasis on building sustainable venues and infrastructure. Host cities are now highly encouraged to repurpose existing facilities whenever possible rather than constructing entirely new ones. This approach reduces construction-related environmental impacts and leaves a much more enduring legacy for the city hosting the games. 

       Traditionally, Olympic host cities often built extravagant, purpose-built stadiums and arenas, which often became underutilized after the games took place. This contributed to massive resource consumption and financial burdens in the cities. In contrast, recent Gabes have prioritized adaptability and long-term functionality, which aims to create venues that can be repurposed for the communities use post-Olympics. 

       The Olympics are an ever-evolving spectacle, reflecting the changing world around them. Recent changes from the emphasis on climate change to sustainability efforts to the inclusion of new sports represent a departure from the Olympic’s traditional norms. While some could view these changes as positive steps towards modernization, others might question whether they threaten the game’s essence and values. Ultimately, the success of these changes will be determined by their impact on athletes, fans, and the legacy of the games. Only time will now reveal whether these shifts mark a new era of the Olympics of temporary deviations from tradition.