Taekwondo at the Paris 2024 Olympics has garnered significant attention, not just for the intense competition but also for the distinct scoring system that determines the winners. This interest has surged due to the nuanced rules and advanced technologies employed to ensure fair and precise results. Whether you’re a taekwondo enthusiast or just tuning in for the Olympic action, understanding how athletes score points is crucial to appreciating the sport.
Scoring Basics
In Olympic taekwondo, points are awarded based on the accuracy and force of strikes delivered to specific areas on the opponent’s body. The legal scoring areas are the torso (protected by a colored trunk protector) and the head. Athletes score:
- 1 point for a valid punch to the trunk protector.
- 2 points for a basic kick to the trunk protector.
- 3 points for a basic kick to the head.
- 4 points for a turning kick to the trunk protector.
- 5 points for a turning kick to the head.
These strikes must be delivered using permitted parts of the body—punches with a clenched fist and kicks with the foot. The accuracy and power of these strikes are monitored electronically, ensuring that only effective hits register points.
The Role of Technology
Paris 2024 has continued to employ the electronic Protector and Scoring System (PSS), which automatically records valid hits based on impact force thresholds. This system reduces human error and ensures that points are awarded accurately. For more complex moves like turning kicks, human judges also play a role in confirming the validity of the technique.
Penalties and Deductions
Taekwondo matches aren’t just about scoring; they also involve avoiding penalties. A penalty, known as a “gam-jeom,” results in one point being awarded to the opponent. Common infractions include stepping out of bounds, falling, or intentionally delaying the match. Accumulating five penalties in a single round can result in losing that round automatically.
What’s New for Paris 2024?
A key change in the 2024 Olympics is the elimination of the “golden point round.” Previously, this sudden-death round decided the winner in the event of a tie. Now, matches follow a best-of-three rounds format, where winning two rounds secures the match, simplifying the process and reducing the likelihood of ties (NBC Olympics) (Yahoo Sports).
Understanding these rules gives fans a clearer perspective on the fast-paced action of Olympic taekwondo, making each kick, punch, and penalty more meaningful as athletes from around the world compete for gold in Paris.
