A New Kind of Olympic Champion

/ 4th Grade ELA / By

A New Kind of Olympic Champion

Earlier this year, in the summer of 2024, the world watched the Olympic Games in Paris, France. Athletes from all over the globe ran, swam, and jumped, trying to win medals. But this year, there was a special new event that got a lot of attention. It wasn’t about who was the fastest or strongest. Instead, it was about who was the smartest and most creative with technology. This new competition was for video game players, called esports!

For the first time ever, the International Olympic Committee decided to include an esports tournament. This means that people who are amazing at playing certain video games could compete for an Olympic medal, just like a gymnast or a sprinter. The event took place in late July. Many people were excited, but some were also surprised. They wondered, “Can playing video games really be an Olympic sport?”

The answer is yes, but it’s not like playing games at home on your couch. These players, often called “athletes” too, train for many hours every day. They practice strategies, work with teammates, and need lightning-fast reflexes. Their minds have to solve problems and make decisions in seconds. The games chosen for the Olympics were ones that focused on skill, thinking, and sportsmanship, like a digital version of chess or soccer.

This news is a great example of how our world is changing. It shows that being an athlete can mean more than just physical strength. Mental strength, teamwork, and strategy are incredibly important. The Olympic Games have always been about bringing people together to celebrate human achievement. Now, they are including a new way that young people today are achieving great things.

Some people think this is a wonderful and positive change. It recognizes the talents of millions of young gamers and shows that their skills are valuable. It might inspire kids who love technology and games to see a new path for themselves. Others worry that it might encourage too much screen time. They believe the Olympics should stay focused on traditional physical sports.

Whether you think it’s a good idea or not, this event made history this summer. It started a big conversation about what it means to be a sport in the modern world. It taught us that the Olympics can grow and include new activities that people are passionate about. The players who won those first esports medals didn’t just win for themselves; they won for a whole new community of people who dream of competing on the world’s biggest stage.

Part A: Vocabulary in Context

Score: ___/5

Directions: Each vocabulary word from the article is listed below. Write the letter of the correct definition next to each word.

Vocabulary Words:

  1. ____ Athlete
  2. ____ Competition
  3. ____ Strategy
  4. ____ Achievement
  5. ____ Modern

Definitions:
A) A careful plan or method for achieving a goal.
B) Something done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill.
C) A person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.
D) Relating to the present or recent times.
E) An event where people try to win by being the best at something.

Part B: Multiple Choice Comprehension

Score: ___/5

Directions: Circle the letter of the best answer for each question.

  1. What was special about the Olympic Games in the summer of 2024?
    A. They were held in the United States.
    B. They included a new competition for video game players.
    C. They were canceled due to weather.
    D. They only had running and swimming events.
  2. According to the passage, how are esports players similar to other Olympic athletes?
    A. They both wear the same uniforms.
    B. They both train hard and need fast reflexes and strategy.
    C. They both compete in stadiums.
    D. They both swim and run.
  3. Why do some people think including esports is a positive change?
    A. It makes the Olympics shorter.
    B. It recognizes the talents of young gamers and shows their skills are valuable.
    C. It means athletes don’t have to practice.
    D. It stops people from playing traditional sports.
  4. What is one concern some people have about esports in the Olympics?
    A. The games are too expensive.
    B. It might encourage too much screen time.
    C. The players aren’t friendly.
    D. It makes the medals look different.
  5. What is the main idea of this passage?
    A. Video games are bad for your health.
    B. The 2024 Olympics added esports, which is a big change that makes people think about what a sport can be.
    C. France is the best country at sports.
    D. Only physical strength matters in competitions.

Part C: Short Answer Analysis

Score: ___/10

Directions: Answer each question in complete sentences using information from the article.

  1. Why might the Olympics have chosen video games that are “like a digital version of chess or soccer”? What does this tell you about the skills the Olympics values?
  2. The author says esports players “train for many hours every day.” Describe at least two specific things these players do during their training, according to the article.
  3. The passage presents two different viewpoints about esports in the Olympics. Summarize each viewpoint in your own words.
    Viewpoint 1 (Positive): __________________________________________Viewpoint 2 (Concern): _________________________________________

Part D: Opinion and Reflection

Score: ___/5

Directions: Answer the following question with your own thoughts, using at least one reason to support your opinion.

Do you think video game competitions (esports) should be considered Olympic sports? Why or why not?

Answer Key & Scoring Rubric

Part A: Vocabulary Matching

  1. C – Athlete
  2. E – Competition
  3. A – Strategy
  4. B – Achievement
  5. D – Modern

Scoring: 1 point each (5 points total)

Part B: Multiple Choice

  1. B. They included a new competition for video game players.
  2. B. They both train hard and need fast reflexes and strategy.
  3. B. It recognizes the talents of young gamers and shows their skills are valuable.
  4. B. It might encourage too much screen time.
  5. B. The 2024 Olympics added esports, which is a big change that makes people think about what a sport can be.

Scoring: 1 point each (5 points total)

Part C: Short Answer (Sample Answers)

  1. They likely chose games that emphasize strategy, skill, and fair play over pure violence or chance. This tells us the Olympics values mental skill, planning, and sportsmanship, not just physical ability.
  2. (1) They practice specific strategies and game plans. (2) They work with teammates to coordinate plays and improve teamwork.
  3. Viewpoint 1: It’s a positive change that recognizes the talent and hard work of gamers and inspires young people. Viewpoint 2: It’s concerning because it might promote too much screen time and shift focus away from traditional physical sports.

Scoring: Question 1 (3 points), Question 2 (3 points), Question 3 (4 points)

Part D: Opinion (Sample Responses)

Yes, I think esports should be included because they require intense training, strategy, and teamwork—all qualities of traditional sports. They represent a modern form of competition that millions of people enjoy.
OR
No, I don’t think they should be included because the Olympics should celebrate physical fitness and athleticism. Esports involve too much sitting and looking at screens, which is different from traditional sports.

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