BLOGGING THE VIEW: 5 facts about the LA28 Olympics

You have probably experienced a week of post-Olympic blues, staring aimlessly at a blank TV screen while dreaming of your friends Raygun, Simone Biles and those pole vaulting chaps.

While we can’t promise anymore Olympic action this year, we can look forward to what is set to be a spectacular Olympic display in Los Angeles in 2028. Here’s what we know so far.

1. Third time’s the charm

This is the third time Los Angeles will play host to the Olympic games, having hosted in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression and in 1984 when the United States – again – earned the most Olympic medals.

Los Angeles is only the third city to host the Olympics three times, joining London (1908, 1948 and 2012) and Paris (1900, 1924 and 2024).

2. Breaking bad

For better or worse, breaking will not feature at the Los Angeles Olympics, despite this form of street dance originating in the United States. 2024 was the first time breaking was featured as an Olympic sport and, while there were some top-notch contenders, the event appears to have been marred by the performance of Australia’s Rachael Gunn aka Raygun, who appeared to be trying to scratch a back itch rather than showing any real breaking moves.

Fortunately, other new additions – surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing – will remain in the line-up.

3. Making their debut

For the first time in Olympic history, squash will feature on the roster. This will be joined by a sport known as flag football, which is a non-contact version of American football, played on a smaller pitch with fewer people on a team. Instead of tackling, opponents remove a flag.

4. Making a comeback

Many fans will be happy to note that certain sports will return to the Olympic line-up. These include cricket, returning for the first time since 1900 and played in the fast-paced T20 format. Lacrosse is also returning, with teams of six, as well as baseball/softball which is a great American favourite.

5. Mark your calendars

The dates have been set for LA28. The opening ceremony will take place on 14 July 2028 with the closing ceremony on 30 July 2028.

There’s lots to look forward to in 2028, and if you’re really ambitious, you can start training for that gold!

SOURCES:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8lyrgxvdgo
https://wrat.com/2024/08/13/heres-what-we-know-2028-olympics-in-la/

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