Out with the old, in with the new as the Olympics continue to evolve
The Paris 2024 Olympics have only just concluded, leaving sports fans around the world reflecting on the triumphs, surprises, and innovations that defined the Games.
Yet, as the dust settles in the City of Light, the Olympic spotlight begins to shift towards Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Summer Games. The anticipation is already building, and for good reason – six new sports are set to make their debut, bringing with them a fresh wave of excitement and competition.
However, as new sports emerge, others are left behind, and the evolving Olympic landscape reflects the dynamic nature of global sports culture.
Breaking: A short-lived Olympic experiment
One of the most talked-about additions to the Paris 2024 Olympics was the introduction of breaking, a competitive form of breakdancing. Breaking’s inclusion sparked widespread debate, with some hailing it as a bold move to modernise the Games, while others questioned its place on the Olympic stage.
The event was dramatic, particularly when Australian breakdancer Raygun's routine scored a controversial zero, quickly going viral and sparking a wave of memes.
Despite some positive reception and the vocal defence from cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, Breaking’s Olympic journey has come to an abrupt end. The sport has been axed from the LA 2028 line-up, marking it a brief, albeit memorable, chapter in Olympic history.
One thing we have learned, the Olympics are constantly evolving, and not every new addition is guaranteed a permanent spot.
Boxing’s uncertain future
While Breaking has been officially cut, boxing now faces an uncertain future.
This staple of the Olympic programme has been a part of the Games since 1904, but is now in jeopardy due to ongoing issues with its governing body, the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The IBA was stripped of its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) due to allegations of alleged corruption, including governance failures, financial mismanagement, and ethical breaches.
In Paris, the boxing events were managed directly by the IOC, bypassing the IBA entirely, and as things stand, the IOC has yet to confirm boxing’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Games – a decision will be made in 2025.
Boxing’s potential exclusion would be a significant loss for the Games, but it also underscores the importance of integrity and governance in international sports.
New sports on the horizon: flag football and squash
As some sports face uncertainty or exclusion, others are poised to make their Olympic debut. Flag football and squash are two such sports, both set to join the LA 2028 line-up as ‘optional’ events.
While their inclusion is cause for celebration among their respective communities, it also comes with the understanding that their Olympic futures are not guaranteed beyond 2028.
Flag football, a non-contact variant of American football, is an intriguing addition to the Games. In this version, players must remove a flag from the ball carrier rather than tackling them to the ground – South Africans have been playing Touch-Rugby for decades.
Fast-paced and strategic, flag football offers a fresh take on traditional football, with its inclusion in the Olympics nodding to the sport’s growing global popularity and accessibility.
Squash, on the other hand, has long been a popular racket sport with a passionate global following, and is known for its intense rallies and strategic play.
Despite its widespread popularity, squash has struggled for years to gain Olympic recognition, often being overlooked in favour of other racket sports like tennis and badminton.
The inclusion of squash in LA 2028 is a triumph for the sport’s advocates, who have campaigned tirelessly for its Olympic debut. However, as with flag football, squash will be an ‘optional’ sport, meaning its inclusion in future Games, such as Brisbane 2032, is not guaranteed.
Baseball and softball: A homecoming in LA
Baseball and softball, two sports with deep roots in American culture, are also making a return to the Olympics in 2028.
Baseball, in particular, has a tumultuous Olympic history. It was first introduced as a demonstration sport in 1904 and became a full-medal event in 1992. However, it was dropped after the 2008 Beijing Games, only to be reinstated as an optional sport for Tokyo 2020.
Given the sport’s immense popularity in the United States, its inclusion in the LA 2028 Games is unsurprising, and it’s expected to draw significant attention from both fans and players.
Softball, often seen as the sister sport to baseball, has followed a similar path. It was a regular fixture in the Olympics from 1996 to 2008 before being excluded from the London and Rio Games. Like baseball, softball made a brief return in Tokyo but was left out of the Paris 2024 line-up.
Its reintroduction in LA 2028 is a welcome development for the sport, particularly in a country where softball enjoys a strong following.
However, both sports remain ‘optional’ events, meaning their status in future Olympics is not yet secure.
A blast from the past: Lacrosse and Cricket
Two sports with deep historical ties to the Olympics are also making a comeback in LA 2028: lacrosse and cricket.
Lacrosse, a sport with Native American origins, was last contested at the Olympics in 1908. After a 120-year absence, it will return as an official medal sport, with teams of six competing in high-paced tournaments.
Lacrosse’s inclusion is a nod to its growing popularity, particularly in North America, and its rich cultural heritage.
Cricket, meanwhile, has only been featured in the Olympics once before, in Paris in 1900. After a 128-year hiatus, the sport is set to return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles.
Cricket’s inclusion is a significant milestone, particularly for the sport’s massive fan base in countries like India, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The Olympic format of cricket will likely be a shortened version of the game, such as T20, which is known for its fast-paced and exciting play.
From optional to permanent: skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing
While some sports are making their Olympic debut or returning after long absences, others are solidifying their place in the Games.
Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing were all ‘optional’ sports at Paris 2024 but will be elevated to permanent events as of 2028.
These sports represent the IOC’s commitment to appealing to younger audiences and embracing modern, urban, and extreme sports.
Skateboarding, rooted in street culture, has brought a new energy to the Olympics, attracting a diverse and youthful audience.
Sport climbing, with its intense physical and mental challenges, has captivated viewers with its blend of speed, strength, and strategy, and surfing, with its connection to nature and adventure, has introduced a new level of excitement to the Games.
The inclusion of these sports as permanent fixtures in the Olympics reflects the evolving nature of the Games and the desire to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
As we look ahead to the LA 2028 Olympics, it’s clear that the Games will continue to evolve, embracing new sports and revisiting old ones.
The inclusion of sports, along with the elevation of others to permanent status, signals a new era for the Olympics – one that is diverse, dynamic, and deeply connected to the cultures and communities of the host nation.
Whether these sports will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the LA 2028 Olympics promises to be a memorable spectacle.