TikTok Users Petition to Add ‘Dance Challenges’ as an Olympic Sport by 2028

By Rhythmiq Reel, Social Media Correspondent

The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles might look a little different, as TikTok users worldwide are petitioning to include Dance Challenges as an official Olympic sport. With millions of signatures already amassed on Change.org, the movement is gaining momentum, driven by the promise of turning viral choreography into global athletic glory.

The proposal, spearheaded by TikTok influencer Kayla Groove (@GrooveAndProve), argues that today’s viral dance challenges are just as physically demanding—and culturally significant—as traditional Olympic events. “If speed walking and trampoline are Olympic sports, why not the Renegade or the Wednesday Addams Dance?” Groove stated in a live stream that drew over 3 million viewers.

The Case for Competitive TikTok Dancing

Advocates claim that TikTok challenges require an exceptional blend of stamina, rhythm, creativity, and charisma, making them perfect for Olympic competition. “This isn’t just people flailing around,” said dance enthusiast Marco Flex. “It’s artistry. It’s athleticism. It’s being able to hit the woah perfectly while staring into a ring light for 20 takes.”

Under the proposal, the Olympic Dance Challenge would feature several categories, including:

• Trend Dances: Viral moves like the Savage and the Dougie Remix.

• Team Routines: Synchronized dances with up to five creators.

• Freestyle Challenges: Where athletes must choreograph a routine to a trending sound within 30 minutes.

To ensure fairness, a proposed judging panel would include a mix of TikTok creators, professional dancers, and, inexplicably, Simon Cowell.

Not Everyone Is Dancing Along

Predictably, not everyone is jazzed about the idea of TikTok infiltrating the Olympics. Critics argue that the platform’s emphasis on trends and short attention spans is at odds with the Olympic spirit of endurance and dedication. “What’s next, Olympic memes?” scoffed retired Olympic swimmer Lance Lane. “We’re already arguing about breakdancing being included, and now this?”

Others question the logistics of judging TikTok dancing as a sport. “How do you even score this?” asked Brenda Pliés, a traditional dance instructor. “Is it based on views? Likes? Whether or not your grandma can recreate the routine?”

TikTok Users Respond with a Counter-Argument (and Dance)

To combat the criticism, TikTok creators have launched a new viral trend: the #OlympicChallengeChallenge, where users choreograph routines symbolizing different Olympic sports. Highlights include synchronized swimmers miming water routines on dry land and runners breakdancing while pretending to pass a baton. The trend has already racked up 500 million views.

Supporters of the movement point to the growing influence of TikTok on global culture. “This isn’t just about dance; it’s about inclusion,” said digital culture analyst Maya Stream. “TikTok dance challenges bring together creators from every corner of the world. That’s the Olympic spirit, right there—connection, creativity, and occasionally throwing out your back trying to do the Cupid Shuffle in reverse.”

Olympic Committee Takes Notice

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not ruled out the idea entirely. “The Olympics are constantly evolving to reflect modern culture,” said spokesperson Ian Timeless. “We’ve already added skateboarding, surfing, and breakdancing. TikTok challenges aren’t entirely outside the realm of possibility—but we’ll need to make sure it doesn’t just turn into one giant selfie stick convention.”

If successful, TikTok dance challenges could open the door for other social media-inspired events, such as competitive Instagram food photography or an Olympic-level BeReal challenge.

For now, creators are urging fans to sign the petition, tag their favorite Olympians, and, of course, keep dancing. As Groove put it during a recent live Q&A, “Let’s make history, one woah at a time.”