THE VISIT CARDIFF OLYMPICS

The 2024 Olympics may have sadly come to a close, but the excitement doesn’t have to end there. Why not try out some of the sports yourself? We’re fortunate to have our very own International Sports Village, home to two Olympic-standard facilities: Cardiff International White Water and Cardiff International Pool, both of which served as training venues for the London 2012 Games.

Check out our blog below to explore more about these sports. If any of them catch your interest, who knows? We might just see you competing at the 2028 Olympics in the USA!

1. SWIMMING

Swimming dates back to prehistoric times, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became widely practiced as a competitive sport. Today, Olympic swimming events are held in a pool measuring 50 meters in length, just like the one at Cardiff International Pool & Gym. So, where better to perfect your stroke?

Cardiff International Pool has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in our Swim Wales accredited swimming lessons or just looking for a casual dip, there are activities for all skill levels. If you’re not quite ready to jump into the fast lane, you can enjoy the leisure pool, complete with fun slides and a lazy river for a relaxing float.

Discover more here.

2. RUNNING AND CYCLING

Road cycling at the Olympic Games is divided into two types of events: the road race and the individual time trial. The road race, where all riders start together in a mass start, is a highly tactical and demanding test of endurance. If you’re new to cycling, though, it might be wise to start with something a bit more manageable—like mastering the Bay Trail.

The Bay Trail is a 10km circular route designed for both cyclists and walkers. It winds around the Bay, crossing over to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin. As you pedal along the trail, you can soak in Cardiff’s rich heritage, passing historic landmarks like the Norwegian Church, and iconic buildings such as the world-renowned Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd. The Bay’s vibrant waterfront, with its charming cafés, bars, and restaurants, adds a unique appeal to your journey. Discover more here.

If you’re more of a runner, show off to your Strava followers with a jog along the Barrage. The embankment offers a stunning maritime setting with a very flat and accessible terrain. The Barrage is actually part of the Cardiff Half Marathon course, the perfect place to train!

3. ROWING & SAILING

Rowing consists of propelling a boat using oars fixed to the vessel. It differs from other disciplines in that rowers sit with their backs to the direction of movement, therefore crossing the finish line backwards. Whereas sailing involves moving a boat solely by harnessing the power of the wind. Mastery over ever‑changing conditions requires both great skill and experience on the part of the athletes.

Do either of these sports interest you? Head to Cardiff Rowing Centre, situated on the River Taff, for a taster. They offer a range of water activities that can accommodate all skills levels, from beginner to advanced. Discover more here.

Side note: Have you ever wanted to shoot arrows like Robin Hood, Legolas or Katniss Everdeen? CBWAC also offer Archery lessons – so you can tick another Olympic sport off your list!

4. SKATEBOARDING

Skateboarding, a young and spectacular sport that emerged in the US during the 1950s as surf culture was gaining momentum, has now become a global sensation. At the Olympic Games, the world’s greatest skateboarders go head-to-head, showcasing their most impressive tricks. Athletes are judged on the degree of difficulty, speed, and variety of their moves.

Do you fancy yourself as the next Tony Hawk? Head over to the Cardiff Bay Skate Plaza, located on the Barrage. Spanning over 1,100 square meters, the plaza is designed to replicate an urban street environment, featuring materials like granite, marble, and brick. With features such as steps, rails, and the thrilling Beijing Gap—a 1.8m jump—it’s the perfect place to hone your skills. Find out more here.

5. CLIMBING

Sport climbing is rapidly growing in popularity, with over 25 million climbers across 150 countries. At the Olympics, this thrilling sport includes three formats: bouldering, speed, and lead. In bouldering, athletes scale 4.5-meter-high walls without ropes. But don’t worry—you’ll be safely harnessed when you take on the climbing wall at Cardiff International White Water.

Channel your inner monkey as you embark on the exciting high ropes adventure known as the AirTrail. Navigate fun-filled obstacles like the Burma Bridge, Monkey Swing, Barrel Crawl, and Zip Wire. Afterwards, challenge yourself to reach the top of the exhilarating Climbing Wall. Multiple lines and difficulty levels will get your agility working. Book online here.

Top tip: Fun HQ, also located in the sports village, offers Clip ‘n Climb, a fun concept where theme park meets climbing walls, guaranteeing excitement and fun for everyone from 4 upwards.

6. KAYAKING & CANOEING

There’s one big difference between canoe and kayak races in the Olympic Games programme, each with its own specific rules. Canoeists kneel in the boat and use a single-blade paddle on one side at a time, whereas kayakers are seated and use a double-bladed paddle. Canoe sprint became an Olympic medal discipline at the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games, after previously featuring as a demonstration event at the Paris 1924 Olympic Games.

If you fancy trying your hand at it, Cardiff International White Water With offer  both youth and adult ‘Zero to Hero’ courses. The fast paced programme is focused on one thing… progressing skills quickly! Starting with building strong foundations on the flat water pool, where you will quickly progress onto the white water where you’ll gain the knowledge and skills required to get you started in your new hobby. Book online here.

Don’t forget, this is only a small amount of the sporting activities the City has to offer. Click here for more.