10 Sports Anime on Crunchyroll to Watch Before the Olympics are Over

As the 2024 Paris Olympics come to a close this weekend, now is the perfect opportunity to explore the sports anime available on Crunchyroll for those feeling nostalgic for the Summer Games. Many of the sports featured in the Summer Games have their own anime adaptations, with some even being recognized at the 2024 Paris Olympics in their corresponding events.

Additionally, these shows align with the top sports anime on Crunchyroll, including fan-favorite Haikyu!! and the latest sensation, BLUE LOCK. Undoubtedly, there is a sports anime available on Crunchyroll for anyone feeling disappointed about the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics after this weekend’s final events.

Sports Anime on Crunchyroll Perfectly Fills Void Left by 2024 Paris Olympics

Haikyu!!

At the top of the list is the highly recognized sports anime on Crunchyroll, Haikyu!! This popular television series is a great choice for a replacement during the Summer Games as it centers around a high school men’s volleyball team. Nevertheless, the show is widely praised and cherished for its depiction of sports as well as its captivating storyline.

The series chronicles the journey of Shoyo Hinata, who aspires to be the next “Little Giant”after being inspired by the former ace of Karasuno High’s volleyball team. From middle school to high school and beyond, Hinata remains determined to achieve greatness in volleyball, facing any challenges that come his way.

BLUE LOCK

Among the latest sports anime available on Crunchyroll, BLUE LOCK depicts Japan’s intense determination to elevate their global football ranking. This series, also known as soccer in certain regions, serves as a suitable alternative for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Spain emerged victorious and claimed the gold medal in soccer.

The main character of the series, Yoichi Isagi, is a high school football player who is not well known and is still in the process of discovering his unique playing style. He makes the decision to join the program named after its eccentric football coach, Jinpachi Ego, with the goal of becoming the top striker in the world. In order to achieve this, he must complete the program and its ultimate objective of creating the world’s most egotistical striker.

Kuroko’s Basketball

One of the two popular basketball-centric sports anime available on Crunchyroll, Kuroko’s Basketball is beloved by fans for its depiction of the sport and as an anime series in general. As we await the announcement of the medalists for basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics in both the men’s and women’s categories, this series will serve as a wonderful continuation to these thrilling competitions.

The main characters of the series are Tetsuya Kuroko, the “phantom”sixth member of the “Generation of Miracles”middle school team, and Taiga Kagami, a skilled player who grew up in the United States. As high school students, their goal is to lead the Seirin High basketball team to victory in Japan by challenging Kuroko’s former teammates from the Generation of Miracles one by one.

4) Skate the Infinity

SK8 the Infinity (Image via Crunchyroll)

Despite being a relatively new addition to the Summer Games, skateboarding was officially included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the upcoming departure of skateboarding from the 2024 Paris Olympics, fans of the sport can take comfort in knowing that there is a sports anime about it available on Crunchyroll.

SK8 The Infinity centers on a group of dedicated skaters in Okinawa, Japan, who are involved in a clandestine competition called “S.”The story revolves around Reki, a sophomore in high school and a passionate skater, and Langa, a new student who joins him for a night at S. Throughout the series, the two friends continue to immerse themselves in skateboarding and the underground world, developing a deep love for it.

Sports Anime

Slam Dunk, the second basketball sports anime on Crunchyroll to make it onto this list, has a distinct approach compared to Kuroko’s Basketball. However, both series effectively showcase the sport and are a perfect fit for those who enjoy basketball in real life, providing unique insights into the game.

Slam Dunk tells the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent and leader of a gang in high school, who falls in love with Haruko Akagi. After noticing his natural talent for sports, Haruko introduces him to the Shohoku basketball team. Eager to impress her, Hanamichi decides to join the team.

Despite initial reservations, as time passes, he gains a true passion for the sport and experiences personal and athletic growth alongside his teammates through shared disappointments and triumphs.

The Prince of Tennis

Despite tennis events at the 2024 Paris Olympics concluding with Novak Djokovic winning his first singles gold, the excitement of the sport’s rallies and volleys can continue beyond the games. The anime series, The Prince of Tennis, available on Crunchyroll, showcases the sport of tennis and is a captivating watch both overall and within the Olympic context.

The plot centers around Ryoma Echizen, a gifted tennis player in high school who attends Seishun Academy. The school is renowned for its exceptional tennis club, comprised of skilled individuals. The story chronicles Ryoma’s journey of defeating opponents and forming strong relationships with his team members. They all share the common goal of winning the National Middle School Tennis Championship. Throughout his journey, Ryoma refines his own playing style and gains a deeper understanding of the significance of the sport to him.

Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, both men’s and women’s swimming were under intense scrutiny for various reasons. The highlight of the event was Léon Marchand’s impressive performance, where he beat Michael Phelps’ record in the 400-meter individual medley with a time of 4:02.95, earning him the gold medal. Although the swimming events at the Summer Games have ended, those looking for a continued display of aquatic competition can tune into Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club, the top sports anime on Crunchyroll.

The main focus of the series is Haruka Nanase, a talented high school student who brings new life to Iwatobi High School’s swim team when he reunites with his childhood rival, Rin Matsuoka. The story follows the characters through their high school years and beyond, showcasing their personal and athletic development, as well as the strengthening of their relationships during their aquatic journey.

8) Strategies for Overtaking in Racing

The latest sports anime on Crunchyroll, which is also featured on this list, stands out as the sole one that does not have a counterpart in either the Summer or Winter Games. Nonetheless, it is a captivating watch both before and after the Olympics, thanks to its distinctive plot that showcases how even non-participants can develop a passion for a sport equal to that of the athletes themselves.

The main character of Overtake!, Koya Madoka, is a freelance photographer who is struggling in both his personal and professional life for an unknown reason. However, everything changes when he is assigned to cover a story at Fuji International Speedway. It is there that he meets Haruka Asahina, a high school F4 racer. After spending time with Haruka and the “Komaki Motors”youth team, Koya’s passion is reignited and he becomes determined to help them achieve their ambitious goals.

9) Love All Play

Despite the surprise of some readers, badminton made a strong showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, taking place from July 27 to August 5. While it may not have the same level of popularity or recognition as other Olympic sports, there is fortunately a sports anime on Crunchyroll that offers a unique perspective on this beloved pastime for its dedicated fans.

Ryou Mizushima, a junior high student, unexpectedly joins the badminton team with his friends at Love All Play. As he becomes more involved in the sport, Ryou’s passion for badminton deepens and he dedicates himself to rigorous training in order to improve. Eventually, he is recruited to join the Yokohama Minato High School team, where he sets his sights on surpassing his idol, Kento Yusa. With determination, Ryou eagerly begins his journey towards achieving greatness in the world of badminton.

PuraOre! ~Pride of Orange~

In conclusion, this sports anime on Crunchyroll can be seen as a representation of the beloved Winter Games sport, hockey, rather than any event from the Summer Games. However, it is a highly recommended watch both before and after the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, as a way to anticipate the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics in Italy. Additionally, PuraOre! stands out as the only series on this list to be a part of a mixed-media project.

Similarly, the overall theme of the series and project centers around a team of young girls playing ice hockey, with a specific focus on Manaka Mizusawa. One day, Manaka visits a practice of the Dream Monkeys ice hockey team, and despite it being an experimental visit, she and her friends make a commitment to return the following week. As they continue to attend practices, they are eventually invited to become official members of the team. This marks the beginning of their journey towards becoming a cohesive team, while also strengthening their bonds of friendship.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous excellent sports anime available on Crunchyroll, but the top 10 listed above are especially worth checking out before the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics and in the aftermath of their conclusion. Other notable sports anime on Crunchyroll, such as Eyeshield 21, Hajime no Ippo, Captain Tsubasa, and Aoashi, did not quite make the list but are still highly recommended.

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