The Paris Olympics have come to a close, with Team USA securing a gold medal in women’s basketball on the final day of competition. While traditional sports like swimming and gymnastics stole the spotlight, the introduction of breaking brought a fresh and energetic vibe to the Games. Fans were captivated by the new sport over two days of intense competition, leaving many wondering if breaking will make a return in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, breaking will not be included in the Los Angeles program, as it is among the sports being dropped from the rotation. Another notable absence will be boxing, which is currently on provisional status due to corruption allegations surrounding the International Boxing Association. If a new governing body cannot be established, boxing may not be part of the Olympic program in 2028.
On the bright side, six new sports will be introduced in the 2028 Olympics, including flag football and squash. Flag football will feature both men’s and women’s divisions, played on a 50-yard field with no offensive linemen. Squash, a racket sport played in a four-walled court, will also make its Olympic debut. These sports will be considered optional and may not return after the Los Angeles Games.
Returning to the Olympic program in 2028 are baseball and softball, which were absent in the 2024 Paris Games. Baseball, a permanent sport until 2008, will make a comeback alongside softball, which was last contested in 2020. Lacrosse will also return as an official medal sport after more than a century, with 6-on-6 tournaments scheduled for Los Angeles. Additionally, cricket will make a rare appearance, having only been contested once in the 1900 Paris Games.
Skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing will transition from optional to permanent events in the 2028 Olympics, adding to the diverse lineup of sports. With various locations across Los Angeles and Oklahoma City hosting events, the 2028 Games promise to be a thrilling showcase of athletic talent and competition.
As the sporting landscape evolves, the Olympic program continues to adapt, introducing new sports while bidding farewell to others. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will be a celebration of athleticism, diversity, and innovation, showcasing the best of what the world of sports has to offer.