As the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics draws to a close, attention shifts to the upcoming Summer Games in Los Angeles, set to unfold from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The City of Angels will not only host the Olympic Games but also its first-ever Paralympics, scheduled from August 15 to August 27, 2028.
A Glitzy Welcome with a Green Twist
Los Angeles will mark its third time hosting the Olympics, following previous events in 1932 and 1984. With a commitment to sustainability, the 2028 Games promise to utilize existing venues, avoiding the need for new, permanent constructions. Iconic locations such as the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium will play host to various events. Notably, beach volleyball will take place on the city’s famed sandy shores—a feature absent in Paris.
In line with its green pledge, LA has assured no new constructions for the Olympics. However, the city will face challenges in delivering a “car-free” Games due to its sprawling nature. Organizers are pinning hopes on a fleet of buses to manage transportation, following the setback of a major rail network upgrade. The Games are expected to cost nearly $7 billion, including transport upgrades, and will rely heavily on local infrastructure.
New and Returning Sports: What’s In and Out
The Los Angeles Games will see the return of several sports and introduce exciting new additions. Cricket, last played at the Olympics in 1900, will make a comeback, featuring T20 matches. Lacrosse will also reappear, with a new six-a-side format. Baseball/softball, squash, and flag football will make their Olympic debuts. Paraclimbing will join the Paralympic roster, challenging athletes to scale a 15-meter wall.
However, not all sports from Paris will continue. Breaking, the street dance that debuted in 2024, will not be part of the LA lineup, disappointing some fans given its American origins.
Anticipated Stars and Challenges
Several stars from Paris are expected to shine in Los Angeles. Keely Hodgkinson, who secured gold in the women’s 800m in Paris, and swimmer Léon Marchand, who dazzled with four gold medals, will likely continue their dominance. Skateboarding phenoms like Zheng Haohao and Sky Brown will remain prominent, while gymnastics icon Simone Biles and sprinter Noah Lyles may also grace the LA Games.
The Los Angeles Olympics face a mix of excitement and concern. The city’s infamous traffic and transit issues are a major concern for residents and visitors alike. Plans to address these challenges have been met with skepticism, especially after the scrapping of an ambitious rail project. Additionally, the city’s significant homelessness issue remains a point of contention, with hopes that the Games might serve as a catalyst for addressing these social challenges.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, Los Angeles promises to bring its unique flair to the Olympics. The city’s vibrant culture, stunning coastline, and Hollywood glamour will provide a distinctive backdrop to the Games. As the countdown to 2028 begins, LA is poised to offer a memorable and distinctive Olympic experience.
With the Olympic torch soon to be passed, the world eagerly awaits the unfolding of the 2028 Games, as Los Angeles prepares to showcase its charm and tackle the hurdles ahead.
