The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set to feature a significant reshuffle in the sporting lineup, with several exciting new additions and notable exits. As we look forward to this historic event, here’s what you need to know about the sports that are leaving, entering, and returning to the Olympic stage.

Breaking Bows Out: A Short-Lived Olympic Dream

Breaking, which made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, will not be part of the 2028 Los Angeles lineup. Despite its popularity and the excitement it generated in Paris, breaking will remain an optional sport with no guarantee of a return in future Games. In Paris, 33 breakers from 16 nations competed, marking a historic moment for the sport. However, this may be the last time we see breaking on the Olympic stage, as it exits the rotation to make room for other sports.

New Additions: Flag Football and Squash Make Their Olympic Debut

Two sports are set to make their Olympic debut in Los Angeles: flag football and squash. Flag football, played on a 50-yard field with five players on each side, will feature both men’s and women’s divisions. This fast-paced, non-contact version of American football has gained popularity worldwide and will finally have its moment in the Olympic spotlight.

Squash, a sport that has long sought Olympic recognition, will also be included as an optional sport. Played in a four-walled court, squash is a highly competitive and physically demanding racket sport. The World Squash Federation has lobbied for years to bring squash to the Olympics, and 2028 will be its debut on the global stage.

The Return of Fan Favorites: Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse, and Cricket

Baseball and softball, which were absent from the 2024 Paris Games, will make a triumphant return in Los Angeles. Baseball, a beloved sport in the U.S., was first included as a permanent Olympic sport in 1992 but was dropped after the 2008 Games. Tokyo 2020 saw its return as an optional sport, and Los Angeles will once again host the sport, although baseball games will be held in Oklahoma City, not Los Angeles itself.

Lacrosse, a sport with deep roots in Native American culture, will return as a medal sport for the first time since 1908. The 2028 Games will feature a 6-on-6 tournament, giving lacrosse fans something to cheer about after more than a century.

Cricket, another sport with a long Olympic hiatus, will also return after more than 120 years. The last time cricket was included in the Olympics was in 1900, and 2028 will mark only the second time medals will be awarded in this sport. While the format has not yet been announced, the return of cricket is sure to excite fans worldwide, particularly in cricket-loving nations like India, Australia, and England.

Permanent Fixtures: Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, and Surfing

Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing, which were introduced as optional sports in previous Games, will become permanent fixtures starting with the 2028 Olympics. These sports have garnered significant attention and appeal, particularly among younger audiences, and their inclusion in the core Olympic program reflects their growing popularity and global reach.

The Future of the Olympics: Embracing Change

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are shaping up to be a dynamic and diverse event, reflecting the evolving interests of the global audience. The addition of new sports, the return of fan favorites, and the exit of others like breaking, highlight the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) efforts to keep the Games fresh and relevant. As we look ahead to 2028, it’s clear that the Olympics continue to be a platform for innovation, competition, and global unity.

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will see the return of beloved sports like baseball and the introduction of new ones like flag football, while also saying goodbye to breaking. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of the Olympic Games, as they continue to evolve and adapt to the interests of a global audience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional sports or excited about the new additions, the 2028 Games promise to be an unforgettable spectacle.

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