Los Angeles Olympic
2028 Los Angeles Olympics Welcomes Five New Sports to the Grand Stage
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is gearing up for a spectacular show, with the addition of five exciting sports. These new inclusions have received the green light from the International Olympic Committee's executive board, promising to bring a fresh wave of athleticism, competition, and excitement to the world's grandest sporting event. In this article, we'll explore the details of these thrilling additions and what they mean for the sporting world.
Baseball/Softball: A Return to the Olympic Spotlight
Two iconic American pastimes, baseball and softball, are making their triumphant return to the Olympic arena. While they were featured in the 2020 Olympics held in Tokyo due to the pandemic's postponement, they were notably absent from the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. However, these sports hold a special place in the hearts of American sports enthusiasts. Notably, the 2023 World Baseball Classic set a record with over 1 million spectators, highlighting their enduring popularity.
Lacrosse: An Indigenous Legacy Takes Center Stage
Lacrosse, often referred to as "sixes," is a sport deeply rooted in North American history. Invented by indigenous peoples, it later gained international acclaim in the 19th century. Lacrosse made appearances in the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis and the 1908 Olympics in London, and now it's set to shine on the grand stage once more.
Cricket: A Global Sensation
Cricket, with its massive following of over 2.5 billion fans, is set to make a dazzling comeback to the Olympics. With its strong social media presence and a burgeoning community in the United States, cricket is poised to captivate global audiences. In fact, the U.S. is preparing to host the 2024 Cricket T20 World Cup, further solidifying its place in international sports.
Flag Football: A New Olympic Venture
American football, a beloved sport in the United States, welcomes a safer variation to the Olympics - flag football. Typically played by children, this exciting sport has never before graced the Olympic stage. With approximately 20 million participants engaging in elite-level flag football, it's a thrilling addition that promises to bring a unique flair to the games.
Squash: A Sport on the Rise
Squash, despite never being featured in previous Olympics, is on an impressive upward trajectory. Its participation in the United States alone surged by a remarkable 87% from 2015 to 2019, according to the IOC. This underlines the sport's growing popularity and potential to capture the imagination of athletes and fans alike.
Criteria for Inclusion
The decision to include these sports in the 2028 Olympics was meticulously considered. The IOC evaluated sports based on various criteria, including:
1. Cost and Complexity: The sports should be manageable for the host city.
2. Athlete Health and Safety: The well-being of athletes is paramount.
3. Global Appeal: Sports should resonate with audiences worldwide.
4. Gender Equality: Emphasis on inclusivity.
5. Integrity and Fairness: Adherence to sportsmanship and fairness.
6. Environmental Sustainability: Consideration of the ecological impact.
Notable Omissions
While these five sports successfully secured their place in the 2028 Olympics, several others were considered but didn't make the final cut. Boxing, modern pentathlon, and weightlifting were among the contenders. The modern pentathlon, a unique event where athletes participate in fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, pistol shooting, and cross-country running, won't be part of the 2028 games.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have also welcomed some fresh faces, including surfing, skateboarding, breaking, and sport climbing, injecting new energy into the sporting world.
As the countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics begins, the world eagerly awaits the mesmerizing performances and incredible displays of talent these sports will bring to the grand stage. It's a celebration of athleticism, diversity, and the enduring spirit of competition.