From the swells of cheers to the magnificent display of physical fitness, there are various reasons why crowds flock to see sporting events in action. There are a magnitude of races and competitions that display the greatness of sport in its various forms.
Unsplash/Steven Lelham
Looking to learn about the biggest global sports events? Take a look at the top yearly and quadrennial occasions that have a seemingly endless number of eyes watching.
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual affair where cyclist groups gear up for three gruelling and challenging weeks, where they ride almost 3500 km. From treacherous climbs to winding paths to navigate, this event is a great watch to appreciate the resilience, strategic prowl, and endurance these contenders display.
As 2024 is set to be the 111th edition of this glorious race, the Grand Départ will take place in Florence, Italy. The end of the race will be in Nice, which is the first time this event does not end in Paris. This finish line change has been said to be due to the preparations for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Summer Olympics
From magnificent high jumps to stunning displays of stamina in running events, the Olympics has something for everyone to watch and enjoy. As one of the oldest sports events in the world, with its roots in ancient Greece, this quadrennial occasion usually takes place from late July to 11 August.
There are also four types of Olympics to look forward to: Summer, Winter, Paralympics, and Youth Olympics. While the Summer Olympics are generally considered the most popular to watch, all these events show peak performances of what the human body is truly capable of.
FIFA World Cup
Known for its nail-biting matches and the typical roars of vuvuzela tunes, the FIFA World Cup is another quadrennial event comprising various football tournaments. With 48 teams battling to be crowned the champion, this must-watch sporting event is an exciting competition to follow and watch.
Rugby World Cup
A South African favourite, the Rugby World Cup is where the best of the best scrum, tackle and pass their way to victory. International rugby teams play against each other, and various pools determine the tournament’s face-offs. The 2023 Rugby World Cup has brought a proud glimmer to many South Africans, as this win has made South Africa the country with the most Rugby World Cup titles.
