Throughout Olympics history, there have been dynasties: sustained runs of top-of-the-podium success for countries in a specific sport. Think United States and basketball, China and diving, or Jamaica and sprinting.
It got us thinking, what are the events where Austinites could take home gold year after year? And yes, we know these sports aren’t International Olympic Committee-certified… yet.
Psst — while you’re participating in Austin-inspired sports, stay tuned to KVUE’s coverage of the Olympics and cheer on local athletes.
Stand-up paddleboarding
Team Austin would race down the river with a dog, a boombox, and waterproof phone pouches around their necks.
Scootering through Downtown
Love it or hate it, electric scooters are on every corner in Downtown Austin, and those who live and work in the city know how to maneuver them. Obstacles include pedicabs, karaoke cars, party bikes, jaywalkers, and Cybertrucks.
Heat tolerance
If you were born and raised in Austin, you wouldn’t sweat this competition. Your qualifying round was enduring brutal summers for years.
It’s easy to spot an athletic Austinite on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Photo by ATXtoday
Power-walking on the trail
We’d send our Ann and Roy Hike-and-Bike Trail regulars to the Olympics in a heartbeat, as long as they’re equipped with athleisure from local brands, fanny packs, trendy tennis shoes, and a friend to gossip with.
Eating breakfast tacos
There’s little that Austinites hold more dear than the breakfast taco — and we’d bet on someone from the 512 in a race to eat the most. Will it be flour or corn?
Complaining about the city changing
Austin residents have been doing this since 1884, so we’ve got over a century of experience in this realm.
