Trying New Things

Updates coming to the 2028 Olympics

(Image c/o Jose Auto Parts) 

By Oliver Collins
Sports Writer

​

The Paris Olympics are starting to gain momentum as teams across the world look to take home the gold in their respective events. 203 different countries will be competing for their respective countries, making it the highest in game history. The Olympics, which have been a staple point for unification in sports, is going on 212 years, and what better way to evolve than inserting a new variety of sports to the event list. 

There have been many intriguing new sports added to the 2028 Olympic list, creating a new dream for young athletes around the world. Flag football, lacrosse, cricket, squash and baseball all bring the possibility of a new framework, adding to the tradition of including the world’s most watched sports. American football is one that has brought some hesitancy but also a lot of positive perspectives. CBS analyst Caitlyn O’Kane reported on the adage of an iconic American sport, “Football is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. Flag football, a safer variation of the sport often played by children, has never been included in the Olympics – until now. About 20 million people participate in flag football at the elite level.” It’s clear that America is welcoming the addition of the sport with open arms, but will the rest of the world be so quick to show its support?

One of the biggest benefits of new events being added to the Games, will bring generational dreams to a new variety of athletes. One of the most important parts of the sports process is evolution. Bringing these sports to the Olympics could truly change the future of the Games for decades to come. It’s just a matter of whether or not the fans will support it. One thing is clear, new event athletes are as hyped as you would expect them to be. Kelly Amonte Hiller, women’s lacrosse coach at Northwestern University in Illinois, was quick to share her reaction to the news, “There’s so many people that have dreamed about this,” she said of her initial reaction. “You always dream of being an Olympian, even if your sport isn’t in the Olympics.” -  Amonte Hiller didn’t have to describe the players’ reactions. They were posted for all to see. While we do have almost 5 years to wait until the Olympics come to the States, all the better for these events’ athletes to prepare for the opportunity of their lifetimes.

​