The competition born in Ancient Greece is the most important sporting and cultural event of all. It’s like no other, filled not only with all kinds of athletic skill but also with various changes and new technologies, benefiting the host city, the media and everyone involved, both inside and outside the stadiums.
The upcoming 2028 edition will mark a new milestone for L.A. It won’t just drive major changes in urban transportation or boost women’s participation in sports. It will also set an honorable record: Los Angeles officially becomes the only city without capital status to host the Olympics three times.
Other cities have hosted this prestigious event three times, like Paris and London, but both are capitals of their countries, France and England respectively. Athens and Tokyo, also capitals, have hosted twice.
So, what makes L.A. different when it comes to the Summer Olympics? As stated on the official Games website, “The Games are woven into the fabric of Los Angeles’ history,” said LA28 Chairperson Casey Wasserman. “Starting with a legacy that began in 1932 and was cemented in 1984, the 2028 Games will inspire our community and the world of sport for decades to come.”
Additionally, Los Angeles is “blessed” thanks to its mix of existing and planned sports venues, housing, and transit infrastructure, all key ingredients for a successful 2028 Games. The city also brings experience to the table, having already hosted the Games twice, which adds valuable know-how in managing massive global events.
Both the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games were financially successful, with the surplus from the 1984 Games helping to establish the LA84 Foundation. This foundation has since given over three million young Angelenos the chance to participate in sports, including notable athletes like Venus and Serena Williams and Russell Westbrook.