The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games are set to break new ground with an expanded program that adds 22 new medal events compared to Paris 2024. This strategic boost not only enriches the competition but also underscores a commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
With a total of 351 medal events and a robust athlete quota of 10,500, the LA28 program is designed to offer more opportunities for emerging talents across the globe. Five key sports—baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash—benefit from an additional 698 quota spots, ensuring vibrant competition and fresh stories of triumph.
A historic emphasis on gender equality marks a major milestone at LA28. For the first time in Olympic history, every team sport will feature an equal number of women and men, with an initial allocation of 5,333 female athletes to 5,167 male athletes. This balanced approach not only levels the playing field but also inspires future generations of athletes worldwide.
The dynamic schedule further expands mixed events, spotlighting new competitions in archery, the 4x100m mixed relay in athletics, golf, gymnastics, rowing coastal beach sprint, and table tennis. Additionally, innovations extend to swimming—where backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke events now host both men and women—and to rowing, which debuts new solo and mixed double sculls categories in coastal beach sprint.
Other exciting updates include an expanded basketball 3×3 tournament with more teams per gender and separate medal events in sport climbing's boulder and lead disciplines. These changes come on the back of collaborative efforts by 24 of 31 Olympic International Federations, which collectively requested adjustments for a more dynamic and inclusive program.
Furthermore, the approval of boxing in March 2025 added to the Games’ comprehensive lineup of 31 sports, positioning LA28 as a revolutionary event that blends tradition with modern athletic innovation. As the world watches, these changes promise to set a new standard for global sporting events, inspiring a diverse audience—from young digital citizens and tech enthusiasts to sports fans and travelers—to celebrate and engage with the Olympic spirit.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
