Explore an early preview of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, including new sports, potential stars, and how the City of Angels is preparing to host the world. Discover what to expect from the next Summer Games.
Get ready for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with this in-depth preview. Learn about the new and returning sports, meet the potential star athletes, and find out how Los Angeles is gearing up to host the world for the third time. From skateboarding to surfing and from Simone Biles to emerging talents, discover what to expect from the next Summer Games in the City of Angels.
The Way-Too-Early Preview of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The Olympic flame from Paris has been extinguished, the flag passed on, and now the focus shifts to the next Summer Games, which will be held in Los Angeles in 2028. The 2024 Paris Olympics brought us unforgettable moments, from viral sensations like the Olympic Village’s chocolate muffins to awe-inspiring performances by breakout stars such as Harvard-educated fencer Lauren Scruggs and “pommel horse guy” Stephen Nedoroscik. As we look ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, there is already a palpable sense of excitement. This preview will delve into what we can expect from these Games, including new and returning sports, potential star athletes, and how the city of Los Angeles is preparing to host the world.
Los Angeles: A City Ready to Shine
Los Angeles is no stranger to hosting the Olympics, having previously done so in 1932 and 1984. The city is known for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and diverse communities. For the 2028 Games, organizers have promised to showcase the best of what Los Angeles has to offer, from its picturesque beaches to its urban landscapes.
One of the key highlights will be the use of existing venues across the city. Skateboarding will take place at the Sepulveda Basin in northern L.A. County, beach volleyball will return to the famous sands of Santa Monica, and surfing will be held at a to-be-determined break along Southern California’s Pacific coast. These venues not only highlight the natural beauty of the region but also emphasize the sports that are deeply ingrained in the culture of Los Angeles.
In addition to the sports venues, the 2028 Olympics will also focus on improving the city’s infrastructure. Organizers have assured that public transit, including the $400 million People Mover project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), will help alleviate the notorious traffic congestion in the city. If successful, this could be one of the defining achievements of the 2028 Games, ensuring that both residents and visitors can navigate the city with ease during the event.
New and Returning Sports
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will see the return of several sports and the debut of new ones, reflecting the evolving interests and passions of the global audience. Since the Tokyo 2020 Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed host cities to propose new sports, leading to the inclusion of exciting events that resonate with younger audiences.
One of the most anticipated returns is that of lacrosse, which was last contested in the 1908 Olympics. This fast-paced, team-oriented sport has a rich history in the United States and is expected to draw significant interest. Similarly, cricket, which awarded its last Olympic medal in 1900, will make its long-awaited return. The inclusion of cricket is a nod to the sport’s global popularity, particularly in countries like India, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Flag football, another sport making its Olympic debut, has been added to the lineup with significant support from the National Football League (NFL). This addition is expected to attract a new audience, particularly in the United States, where football is one of the most popular sports. Squash, which has come close to inclusion in past Games, will finally have its moment in the Olympic spotlight in Los Angeles.
Baseball and softball, both of which were absent from the 2024 Paris Olympics, will return in 2028. Major League Baseball (MLB) has expressed interest in potentially pausing its season to allow players to participate, a move that would undoubtedly enhance the quality of competition. Softball will be held at a premier facility in Oklahoma City, known as the heartland of the sport in the United States. Although the venue is 1,300 miles from Los Angeles, the choice reflects the significance of softball in American sports culture.
Potential Stars of the 2028 Games
As with any Olympic Games, the athletes are at the heart of the excitement. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will likely feature a mix of returning legends and emerging talents, each with their own unique stories and ambitions.
Simone Biles: One of the biggest questions leading up to the 2028 Games is whether Simone Biles will return. The gymnastics legend has hinted that she may have performed her final Yurchenko double pike and floor routines in Paris, but she has not ruled out competing in Los Angeles. If she does participate, Biles will be 31 years old, and despite her age, she would still be a strong contender for medals in whichever events she competes.
Nyjah Huston: Skateboarder Nyjah Huston is one of the most successful and influential street skaters in the world. After winning a bronze medal in Paris, Huston expressed his disappointment at not securing gold. With the 2028 Games taking place in California, the birthplace of skateboarding, Huston will have a home-court advantage and a chance to redeem himself in front of a passionate crowd.
Trinity Rodman: Trinity Rodman, a standout player for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, made a name for herself with her “Trin Spin” move and game-winning goal against Japan in Paris. Rodman’s creativity and skill on the field make her a key player for the U.S. team, and she is expected to be a central figure in the 2028 Games.
Kevin Durant: Basketball star Kevin Durant has expressed his desire to play until “the wheels fall off,” and his love for representing the U.S. national team is well-known. In 2028, Durant will be 39 years old, and while that may be considered old in basketball terms, his skill set and experience could still make him a valuable player for Team USA.
Katie Ledecky: Swimmer Katie Ledecky, who has already won nine Olympic gold medals, has indicated that she would like to compete in Los Angeles. Ledecky will be 31 years old during the 2028 Games, and if she competes, it will be her fifth Olympics. Her rivalry with younger swimmers, such as Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, will be a storyline to watch.
Leon Marchand: French swimmer Leon Marchand was one of the breakout stars of the Paris Games, winning four gold medals and a bronze. With comparisons to Michael Phelps already being made, Marchand’s career is just beginning, and he will be one to watch as he continues to develop under the guidance of Phelps’ former coach, Bob Bowman.
Novak Djokovic: Tennis star Novak Djokovic finally won his first Olympic gold in Paris, and while many assumed it would be his last Olympics, the 41-year-old has expressed interest in competing in Los Angeles. If Djokovic can maintain his form, he could defy the odds and make another run for gold in 2028.
Noah Lyles: Sprinter Noah Lyles will be 31 years old during the 2028 Olympics, and Los Angeles may represent his final opportunity to achieve the elusive sprint-triple gold. Lyles, who had a challenging end to the Paris Games, will be on a mission to solidify his legacy in track and field.
Mondo Duplantis: Pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis broke the world record for the ninth time in Paris and will be a favorite for gold in Los Angeles. Although he competes for Sweden, Duplantis was born and raised in Louisiana, and he will feel at home competing in the United States.
Snoop Dogg: While not an athlete, Snoop Dogg has become an unexpected face of the Olympic Games. The rapper and entertainer participated in various events during the Paris Games and even carried the Olympic torch. With the 2028 Games being held in his hometown of Los Angeles, Snoop Dogg is expected to play a prominent role in welcoming the world to the city.
Up-and-Coming Athletes
In addition to the established stars, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will also feature a new generation of athletes who are just beginning to make their mark on the world stage.
Fred Richard: Gymnast Fred Richard, who earned a bronze medal in Paris, has his sights set on becoming the greatest gymnast of all time. At just 20 years old, Richard has the potential to be a dominant force in the sport for years to come, and he is already focused on making an impact in 2028.
Hezly Rivera: Sixteen-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera made a stunning debut in Paris, earning a spot on one of the most iconic U.S. Olympic teams in history. With her sights set on the 2028 Games, Rivera is poised to build on her early success and become a leading figure in women’s gymnastics.
Gavin Bottger and Tate Carew: Skateboarders Gavin Bottger and Tate Carew were medal favorites in Paris but left without hardware. Both skaters, who are just 17 and 19 years old, respectively, will be eager to make their second Olympic teams in Los Angeles, where skateboarding will be a marquee event.
Caroline Marks: Surfer Caroline Marks, who won gold in Tahiti during the Paris Games, will be looking to defend her title in Los Angeles. At just 22 years old, Marks is already a world champion and is expected to continue her dominance in the sport.
Quincy Wilson: Sixteen-year-old sprinter Quincy Wilson helped Team USA earn gold in the men’s 4×400-meter relay in Paris. With a bright future ahead, Wilson is expected to be a key figure in U.S. track and field for years to come.
Sam Coffey: Soccer player Sam Coffey has quickly become an essential part of the U.S. women’s national team, despite being a latecomer. At 25 years old, Coffey’s impact on the team
’s success is undeniable, and she will be a player to watch in 2028.
Lauren Scruggs: Fencer Lauren Scruggs made history as the first Black woman to medal for the United States in fencing, earning silver in foil. Scruggs has expressed her desire to inspire more Black children to take up the sport, and she will be aiming for gold in Los Angeles.
Summer McIntosh: Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh became a superstar in Paris, winning three gold medals and a silver. At just 17 years old, McIntosh is poised to become one of the most decorated Olympians of her generation.
Carlos Alcaraz: Tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, a four-time major champion at just 21 years old, will be looking to avenge his loss to Novak Djokovic in the Paris gold medal match. Alcaraz’s drive and determination make him a formidable opponent, and he will be a favorite for gold in Los Angeles.
Coco Gauff: Tennis star Coco Gauff was determined to win a medal in Paris, but despite her efforts, she left without one. Gauff, who will be 24 years old in 2028, will be motivated to succeed in front of her home crowd in Los Angeles.
Sam Watson: Speed climber Sam Watson broke two world records in Paris but left without a gold medal. Watson, who is just 18 years old, will be aiming for his first Olympic gold in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promise to be a spectacular event, showcasing the best of what the city has to offer while highlighting the talents of athletes from around the world. With new and returning sports, iconic venues, and a mix of established stars and emerging talents, the Los Angeles Games will be a celebration of athletic excellence and cultural diversity. As we look forward to the next four years, the anticipation for the 2028 Olympics is already building, and it’s clear that the City of Angels is ready to welcome the world.
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