The National Museum of Australia in Canberra has teamed up with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, to present a lively new exhibition spotlighting emerging Olympic disciplines. Titled “Riding the Olympic Wave: Breakthrough Sports,” this exhibition coincides with the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 and focuses on sports that have evolved out of youth culture, including 3×3 basketball, BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing.
This collaboration showcases the transformation of the Olympic Movement, marking a departure from traditional events seen in past games like Sydney 2000. Paris 2024 will be the first Olympics to feature breaking, alongside the return of sports that debuted in Tokyo 2020.
The exhibition is a blend of art, fashion, film, and design, reflecting the unique environments these sports have developed. It highlights the dramatic arrival of these new disciplines and their cultural impact. National Museum director Katherine McMahon praised the exhibition’s appeal to new audiences, noting its exploration of how youth sports culture has reshaped the Olympics for a new generation.
Inspired by the Olympic Museum’s successful temporary exhibition, Riding the Olympic Wave (2022–23), this version is tailored for Australian audiences. An adaptation of the exhibition, titled SPOT24—The Olympic Exhibition on Sport and Urban Cultures, is also being showcased in Paris.
Olympic Museum director Angelita Teo expressed delight in bringing this exhibition to Australia, fostering dialogue and building excitement for Paris 2024 and Brisbane 2032. Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman highlighted the evolution of the Games from Athens 1896 to Paris 2024, noting the inclusion of around 460 athletes in the upcoming Games, including those from the showcased sports.
The exhibition delves into Australia’s long-standing relationship with the Olympics, showcasing the six featured sports and their social, cultural, and artistic contexts. Often described as urban or extreme sports, these disciplines emerged from grassroots movements in the 1960s and 1970s, developed by young people within their communities. Their philosophy and lifestyle set them apart from traditional sports.
National Museum curator Dr. Jono Lineen commended the innovative elements of the exhibition, which incorporates street art, poster art, music-style video production, fashion, street performance, and contemporary music. He emphasised the importance of such exhibitions in understanding youth culture and adapting to future trends.
Riding the Olympic Wave will feature artistic installations that highlight the connections between contemporary art, culture, and sport. The exhibition will be on display in the National Museum of Australia’s Gandel Atrium until 30 September 2024.
Noteworthy items in the exhibition include a signed shirt worn by BMX freestyle Olympic champion Logan Martin, a signed rashie from Olympic bronze medallist Owen Wright, 3×3 basketball shoes from Olympic champion Nauris Miezis, a skateboard deck used by Olympic champion Yuto Horigome, climbing shoes worn by Olympic champion Janja Garnbret, and a sweatshirt worn by breaking double Youth Olympic champion B-girl Ram. Historical artefacts such as torches from the Sydney 2000 and Melbourne 1956 torch relays, a running singlet from Peter Norman, and a team blazer from Olympic champion Edgar ‘Dunc’ Gray are also on display.
The Olympic Museum, located in Lausanne, is home to the world’s largest collection of Olympic heritage, connecting people of all ages with the stories, art, history, and culture of the Olympic Games. Through educational initiatives, it unites athletes, visitors, students, artists, and museums worldwide.
For more info: olympics.com/museum
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
