Skateboarding is one of four sports that will be contested at the Olympics for the first time this summer, stepping onto the largest stage in global sports. Surfing, rock climbing and karate are the others, while baseball and softball — which had previously been in the Olympics but were later discontinued — are also returning to the Olympic program.
Long perceived as the go-to sports for rebels and free spirits, the likes of skateboarding, rock climbing and surfing have long since gone mainstream. They have international federations, world championships and fans around the globe.
Their inclusion at the Olympics, however, serves as a key sign of legitimacy — and an opportunity for expansive growth.