The Olympics in Paris may have only just come to an end – but thoughts are already turning to the next showpiece in the United States in 2028.
There were new sports and events introduced in France this year, including a first ever appearance for breaking.
Kayak cross made its Olympic debut as canoe slalom athletes raced directly against one another, rather than just the clock.
Out on the track and field, the repechage round was also used for the first time for every short to middle distance racing event except the 100m sprint.
But how many new events will survive and what additions will there be when we do it all again in Los Angeles in 2028?
One event has already been scrapped, with doubt lingering over another, and six new sports have been revealed for the next Games. Let’s take a look at what will change in LA.
Which events will be scrapped at the LA Olympics in 2028?
Breaking made its Olympic debut in Paris and it’s safe to say its inclusion caused quite a stir.
Some fans were particularly unimpressed and Australian breakdancer Raygun lashed out at the IOC and critics after her routine scored zero points and went viral.
Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy defended the ‘fantastic’ event but Olympic chiefs revealed that breaking had already been scrapped for LA 2028 before it even came to a conclusion.
It was a bit of a flash in the pan and there will be no breaking at the next Olympics.
Which events are under threat?
Boxing has not yet been confirmed for LA because of issues over the governing body for the sport at the Olympics.
The competition was run by the IOC in Paris after it stripped the International Boxing Association (IBA) of recognition over allegations of corruption, including governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues.
As yet, the IOC has not included boxing in the programme for 2028 and warned that if a new governing body cannot be found, the sport will not feature.
IOC president Thomas Bach said a decision on boxing’s inclusion needs to be made in 2025. Only time will tell if boxing features in the US.
Which new sports will make their debut at the Olympics in 2028?
Six sports which did not feature in Paris will be included in Los Angeles – and two of those will be making an Olympic debut. They are flag football and squash.
Flag football
Flag football is a variant of American football whereby players must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier to end a down, instead of tackling them to the ground.
Each team consists of five players and the game is played on a 50-yard field with no offensive linemen, according to the IOC.
Squash
Squash is a popular racket sport which can be played either as a singles or doubles match.
Players compete in a four-walled court and attempt to hit the ball onto the playable surfaces of the walls.
The aim of the game is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent is unable to hit a legal return shot.
Both squash and flag football will be considered as ‘optional’ sports, meaning they may not return for Brisbane 2032.
Which sports will return to the Olympics next time?
There are four new sports returning to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2032. They are:
Baseball
There wasn’t any baseball at Paris 2024, but unsurprisingly, it will be back for the Games in the USA.
Baseball was an optional sport until 1992 when it became permanent. It was then dropped after 2008 before being readded as optional for Tokyo 2020.
It’s in-and-out status should end for the next two Olympics with it also expected to feature at Brisbane 2032.
Softball
Softball featured at every Olympics from 1996 to 2008 but was dropped for London 2012 and Rio 2016.
It made a comeback for Tokyo 2020 but was once again left out for Paris 2024. It returns as an optional sport in LA 2028.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse will feature at the Olympics in LA for the first time in 120 years, having last been contested in 1908.
It will be added as an official medal sport with teams of six competing against each other in tournaments.
Cricket
Cricket has only ever been contested once before and that was in Paris in 1900. After 128 years, it will be included once again in Los Angeles.
Which optional sports will become permanent?
Skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing were all ‘optional’ sports at the Paris Olympics.
But they will now be moved to permanent events as of 2028, according to the IOC.
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