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Game Changes - New Additions and Departures in the Upcoming Olympics

By Almendra Carrion


As the countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics begins, excitement builds over the new sports making their debut and the established events taking a pause. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled a list of additions and removals that will shape the future of the Games and reflect evolving worldwide trends. Here is a closer look at what is new and what is leaving for the upcoming Olympics.


New Additions: Expanding the Olympic Horizon


The 2028 Olympics will feature several sports that promise to bring fresh energy to the Games. Among the notable inclusions are cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball, each of which brings its own unique flavor to the Olympic stage. According to ESPN, “all five were voted in as a single package, with two "no" votes from about 90 IOC members in the room.”


Cricket makes its grand return to the Olympics after a long absence, with its popularity and passionate global following, expecting to draw significant attention. Cricket’s inclusion highlights the IOC's commitment to reflecting the diverse interests of fans worldwide.

“Adding cricket to the Olympic program is expected to raise the value of India's broadcasting rights for the IOC by more than $100 million” (ESPN, 2023). With formats designed to fit the Olympic schedule, including the Twenty20 format, cricket aims to highlight its thrilling and fast-paced nature.


Flag football is a non-contact variation of American football that emphasizes speed, agility and strategy. Instead of tackling opponents to stop their progress, players wear flags attached to their belts, which defenders must pull off to end a play. This eliminates physical contact and reduces the risk of injuries.


“With the Olympics adding women’s flag football as a sport, this will encompass a mix of pride, excitement and recognition. We’ve been working hard to break into the mainstream, and seeing it become an Olympic sport is a testament to our dedication and talent,” said Tamoi Byars, a TV and digital media communications senior who is also a member of Barry’s new flag football team. “This is going to inspire young women around the world.”


Squash is a high-intensity racquet discipline played between two players (singles) or two pairs (doubles) on a four-walled court. The objective is to hit a small rubber ball against the front wall using a racquet, making it bounce within the court boundaries so that the opponent cannot return it before it bounces twice. The game is known for its fast-paced and strategic nature, requiring players to exhibit quick reflexes, agility, and stamina.


Baseball/Softball returns to the Olympic fold after a successful stint in the 2020 Tokyo Games. The decision to include both sports acknowledges their international appeal and the passionate fan base they have cultivated. Historically, baseball has been considered a men's sport, whereas softball has been linked to women's participation. Both sports provide valuable opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and engage in competition.


Departures: Saying Goodbye to Old Favorites


While the new additions bring excitement, the events, breakdancing and boxing, will not be featured in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Breakdancing, or breaking, made a notable debut in the Paris 2024 Olympics, captivating audiences with its energetic performances and innovative moves. Despite its success and positive reception, including a vibrant and youthful element, the IOC has decided to phase out breakdancing for the 2028 Olympics.

Some believe its departure is for the better due to the performance of Rachael Gunn. She sparked significant controversy because of her eccentric style, including the kangaroo movement and slower moves, which made her a target for ridicule. Many criticized her, arguing that her score of zero undermined her claim to being the best breakdancer in Australia.


Boxing will also be absent from the 2028 Olympics. This discipline has been a longstanding and iconic part of the Olympic tradition, with a storied history of dramatic matches and legendary athletes. The removal of boxing from the Olympic program is a meaningful change and raises questions about the future of the Games.


The decision is partly due to ongoing issues regarding the sport’s governance and its alignment with Olympic values. Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer, faced significant controversy during the 2024 Paris Olympics due to false reports claiming that she is a transgender woman. This misinformation led to public discussions and debates about gender identity in sports, and the implications for fairness and inclusion.


A Glimpse into the Future


The inclusion of new sports and the removal of others represents a significant shift in the Olympic landscape. The next Olympics will be a showcase of both tradition and innovation, with a focus on engaging a diverse international audience and reflecting the evolving interests of admirers.


In summary, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are set to be a groundbreaking event, featuring a mix of new disciplines that highlight the dynamic nature of the Games and the strategic decisions that shape its evolution. As we look forward to this monumental event, the eagerness for the new additions and the nostalgia for the departures create a compelling narrative for the future of the Olympics.

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