The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be a milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity, with women outnumbering men in the games.
Inclusion and Innovation: The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved several innovations for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, focusing on sports inclusion and gender equality. This event promises to be a milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
New Sports and Events
The IOC has added five new sports to the Olympic program: baseball/softball, ‘This is going to be huge.’, cricket, squash, flag football, and lacrosse (sixes). Baseball/Softball will make its return after being absent since 2008, while cricket is set to debut with a fast-paced Twenty20 format. Squash and flag football will also be included in their Olympic debuts, emphasizing speed and strategy over physical contact. Lacrosse will return with a faster-paced version.
Additionally, the swimming program will introduce six new medal events, including the 50m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events for both men and women. This results in a record 351 medal events, an increase of 22 from Paris 2024.
Mixed-Gender Events
The IOC is introducing six new mixed-gender events, including track and field’s 4×100 mixed relay. Artistic gymnastics will feature male and female athletes collaborating for the first time, with more details to be confirmed later. Other sports like golf, archery, rowing (costal beach sprint), and table tennis will also include mixed-gender events.
Mixed-gender events have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the realms of sports and entertainment.
These events bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to compete or participate in a shared activity.
According to a survey, 75% of event organizers believe that mixed-gender events promote equality and inclusivity.
In 2020, the number of mixed-gender sporting events increased by 25%.
The trend is expected to continue as more organizations recognize the benefits of promoting diversity and inclusion.
Advancements in Gender Equality
The 2028 Olympics aim to further promote gender equality. For the first time in Olympic history, female athlete quota spots will surpass male quota spots. Women’s football will expand from 12 teams to 16, while the men’s tournament will reduce from 16 teams to 12. Water polo will add two women’s teams to match the men’s competition, achieving full gender parity in team sports for the first time.
Gender equality has been a topic of discussion for centuries, with significant progress made in recent decades.
The United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted in 1979, outlining countries' obligations to eliminate discrimination against women.
Today, many countries have implemented policies promoting equal pay, education, and representation.
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, the global gender gap has narrowed by 3.5% since 2014, with Iceland leading the way in closing its gap.
However, much work remains to be done to achieve true equality.
Boxing will also see the addition of a seventh women’s weight category to equalize the number of men’s and women’s divisions.
Sustainability and Climate Change
The IOC is committed to emphasizing sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. Events will be held in renowned venues, such as the SoFi Stadium for swimming competitions and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for track and field events. The city aims to host a ‘no-car Games,’ with the goal of reducing congestion and improving air quality.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promise to be an event that prioritizes inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.
