Sports enthusiasts, the biggest event of the year is just around the corner: We’ve all been eagerly awaiting for the world to come together for the 2024 Summer Olympics and watch the best of the best compete for gold. The games are, of course, a stellar showcase of sheer talent and relentless determination. But no matter how capable or hard-working they are, every athlete needs the right gear to excel. At Dragon Alliance, our specialty lies in athletic eyewear, and we know sports sunglasses are essential for any outdoor play.
If the Olympics buzz has emboldened you to take on sports challenges of your own, you can’t go wrong with choosing a go-to pair of shades to start your journey. Ahead, we’ll go over all the details you need to know about the Summer Olympics and share our top sports sunglasses picks to help you get your game on.
What to Know About the 2024 Summer Olympics
The beautiful city of Paris will be home to the Olympics this year, with the Summer Olympics taking place from July 26 to August 11 and the Summer Paralympics following shortly afterward from August 28 to September 8. Over these few weeks, we’ll see events unfold at renowned landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées. To kick off the games on a magical note, the Summer Olympics opening ceremony will take place on the Seine, where over 10,000 athletes will greet the world on boats. This will be the third time that Paris has hosted the games, and this year’s Olympics will actually mark 100 years since the city last hosted in 1924.
So what do you need to know about the games? In total, there will be 329 events across 32 different sports during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Breaking, or breakdancing, will make its debut as an official Olympic sport this year. Premiering in Tokyo in 2021, surfing, sport climbing, and skateboarding will also return to the Olympics for the second time during this year’s games.
If you’re keeping a close eye on surfing, note that the competition will take place in Teahupo’o rather than Paris. We’re thrilled to share that Dragon’s very own Shane Dorian will be joining the Olympics as the head coach for Team USA’s surf squad in Tahiti this year. Hailing from Kailua-Kona, Shane is a seasoned pro-surfer who spent 11 years on the World Championship Tour. In 1993, he became Dragon’s very first athlete and continues to be a part of our athlete roster today.
Where to Watch the Olympics
NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympics, so be sure to catch NBC for comprehensive coverage, whether you do so through an antenna, live streaming, or Peacock. For the latest news on the Olympics, check out developments on the Summer Olympics’ official website.
Our Top Sports Sunglasses Picks
Cheering on the world’s top athletes may inspire you to dive right back into your favorite sports or even try something new. Whichever sport catches your eye, you’ll want to gear up properly. If you take on any outdoor challenges, it’s crucial to have a reliable and sturdy pair of sunglasses on hand.
Ahead, we’ll get you started with our favorite Olympic-worthy shades from our men's sunglasses and women's sunglasses collections. Whichever style you choose, you can feel confident knowing that all of Dragon’s shades come with 100% UV protection and contrast-enhancing Lumalens technology.
Cycling Sunglasses: The Box 2
Whether you’re mountain biking or road cycling, you need a go-to pair of sunglasses to protect your vision. For those steep climbs and rough winds, The Box 2 is a sleek wrap shade that keeps stray light and debris out of your eyes. Besides offering maximum coverage, it has a universal fitting bridge, so it’ll stay comfortable on your face throughout your ride.
Running Sunglasses: Opus
Whether you’re gearing up for a long-distance run or a sprint race, you want your sunglasses to be durable, lightweight, and tough. Dune embodies all of these qualities and even features rubber temple tips for a secure fit. It’s also stylish — along with its high-quality eco-friendly build, this frame flaunts a timeless silhouette.
Surfing Sunglasses: Baile H2O Polarized
Since surfing makes its return this year, we thought it would only be right to include Baile H2O Polarized, the conceptual brainchild of 3-time World Champion surfer Mick Fanning. Made from a floatable TPX material, this classic square frame makes for the perfect pair of shades to wear before you’re riding the waves. They’re also polarized sunglasses, which means that it can help you reduce glare while you’re on the water’s edge. It’s a solid pair for surfers, but you can pick it up for any water sport where you need shades.
Volleyball Sunglasses: Calypso Polarized
Get ready to serve with a sturdy and protective pair of sunglasses. Our favorite shade for volleyball is Momentum Polarized, which features a single wide lens and Lumalens technologyto protect your eyes from light and, if you’re playing at the beach, sand. The polarized lenses also reduce glare, and the integrated cam hinge helps your frame stay put as you move around the court.
Tennis Sunglasses: Reed Rob Machado Resin
The Reed Rob Machado Resin shade is a tried-and-true square frame built for the tennis court. The brown lenses, optimized by Dragon’s Lumalens technology, help you track the ball with ease. They’re also made from a polycarbonate material, offering some impact resistance if you come up against a fast-flying ball.
Shades are a must for playing outside, no matter if you’re competing to win gold or just leisurely taking up a sport. Whether you need a pair for riding waves or spiking a ball, Dragon’s sport sunglasses will upgrade your look, protect your eyes, and, of course, level up your performance.