The International Olympic Committee unveils hosts and dates for Olympic Qualifier Series for BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing

Mark your calendars. It’s time to get ready for the Olympic Qualifier Series.

The best athletes from the worlds of BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding (park and street) and sport climbing (boulder and lead, and speed) will compete in one urban park to qualify for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Each event in the Olympic Qualifier Series will be a celebration of sport and culture, with music, fashion and art combining with the sporting competition to create a lively, vibrant atmosphere.

Commenting on the Olympic Qualifier Series' distinct nature as a prelude to Paris 2024, American skateboarder Jake Ilardi said: "I think the Olympic Qualifier Series is going to be a unique experience because, usually, when we qualify, it's just skateboarding only. I think it will be cool to take a break from the competition, watch the other athletes, see how they prepare, see what they’re bringing to the table. It will be a good time, and I think it will be a precursor to Paris 2024, giving us a taste of what's to come."

IOC President, Thomas Bach said: "The Olympic Qualifier Series offers an exhilarating pathway for athletes to qualify for Paris 2024. They will be able to showcase their skills in vibrant major city locations in front of passionate crowds. Shanghai and Budapest perfectly align with the concept of the Olympic Qualifier Series, serving as the ideal backdrop for an exciting new chapter in the Olympic Movement. The Series promises an unforgettable Olympic experience for both athletes and fans, with the conclusion on Olympic Day adding a special touch of celebration to the Series.”

President Bach continued: “This series of Olympic qualification events represents a key milestone in enhancing and promoting the road to the Olympic Games. By bringing together the best athletes from these four sports in iconic urban environments, we aim to give them more visibility and highlight their remarkable achievements on the road to Paris.”

Find out everything you need to know about the Olympic Qualifier Series below.

When and where will the Olympic Qualifier Series take place?

The Olympic Qualifier Series will take place in the months leading up to Paris 2024 in the cities of Shanghai and Budapest.

The Olympic Qualifier Series will represent the final milestone in the athletes' journeys towards Paris 2024, serving as the ultimate qualification stage via the direct route (BMX freestyle, breaking, sport climbing), or final ranking points earned (skateboarding).

Here’s when the events will take place:

• Huangpu Riverside, Shanghai: 16-19 May 2024
• Ludovika Campus, Budapest: 20-23 June 2024

How many athletes will compete in the Olympic Qualifier Series?

A total of 464 athletes will take part in the Olympic Qualifier Series. At least half of the Paris 2024 quotas for BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing will be allocated during the series.

Anthony Jeanjean, Anja Kohler, B-Boy Wing looking forward to the Olympic Qualifying Series

Brazilian sport climber Anja Kohler said she thinks the Olympic Qualifying Series will be "amazing".

"I always like when different sports are represented at the same event because then you can go watch different sports, experience great sports moments and meet a lot of new people, and for me it is just one more motivation to push to participate in the Olympic Qualifying Series.

"It will be a lot of tension because everybody wants to qualify but at the same time there will be a lot of joy and great sports moments."

France's BMX athlete Anthony Jeanjean who is looking to the series to try and gain a second quota spot for his nation with one already secured courtesy of being hosts, said: "I think that we can expect a very beautiful atmosphere, like always in our sport. There is always a good spirit and a good atmosphere between the athletes. The exchange with the public will be good.

"Both the athletes and the public will be aware of what is at stake. [There will be] a lot of pressure and implications for every nation, which will need to give their best to hope for a quota, so it'll be a great moment and great competitions to prepare for Paris 2024."

Breaker B-Boy Wing of Republic of Korea, the 2023 Asian champion, said: “As the OQS will be the final stage before Paris 2024 Olympic Games held in the same year, I anticipate it to be highly competitive. Nevertheless, I’m determined to secure my spot as it will elevate my performance level and provide a taste of the Games-like atmosphere. The pressure I will feel there will be a preview of what awaits me at the Olympics.”

His compatriot in the same sport, B-Girl Yell, a 2018 Youth Olympic Games bronze medallist said: "OQS are very exciting for me. They are the final shot, the decisive blow, the last shot just before the buzz. It is that moment of suspense between what you have achieved so far and what you dream of achieving... It will be a magical atmosphere!"

As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.

Click here to see the official qualification system for each sport.