The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made waves on April 9, 2025, by announcing significant changes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, particularly in the realm of gender equality and new events. In a historic first, the number of female athletes will exceed that of male athletes, with 5,655 women (approximately 50.5%) participating compared to 5,543 men (approximately 49.5%). This marks a pivotal moment in Olympic history, following the IOC's efforts to promote gender parity, which began with equal slots for men and women at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Among the most notable changes is the introduction of a mixed-gender team event in golf, which will be held at the prestigious Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. This event will feature a two-day competition format, including one round in a foursomes format, where players alternate hitting the same ball, and another round in a four-ball format, which counts the better score from each player. The IOC proposed that 16 teams be selected from 60 men and 60 women, and the event is likely to take place on the weekend between the men's and women's individual competitions.
Golf returned to the Olympic program at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games after a 112-year absence, and the addition of the mixed-gender event will create a total of three medal events in golf for the 2028 Olympics. The IOC's sports director, Kit McConnell, expressed that mixed events signify the true realization of gender equality and that men and women competing for the same country on the same team aligns with the Olympic spirit.
In addition to golf, other sports will also see the introduction of mixed-gender events, including gymnastics and athletics. The 400-meter relay will now feature mixed teams, further emphasizing the IOC's commitment to gender equality. The gymnastics mixed team event will also be a fresh addition, showcasing the talents of both male and female gymnasts working together.
Soccer, which previously had 16 men's teams and 12 women's teams at the Paris Olympics, will flip the script in Los Angeles, with 16 women's teams and 12 men's teams. This change recognizes the growing popularity of women's soccer, particularly in the United States, and aims to reflect the sport's evolution.
However, not all news from the IOC was met with enthusiasm. The International Surfing Association (ISA) expressed disappointment after the IOC decided not to include longboard surfing as an official event for the 2028 Olympics. ISA President Fernando Aguerre voiced his regret over the decision, stating that while they were disappointed, they remain committed to advocating for longboard surfing's inclusion in future Olympics, particularly in Brisbane for the 2032 Games. Aguerre emphasized the importance of perseverance and passion in their pursuit of Olympic recognition.
Despite the setback for longboard surfing, the ISA noted the IOC's ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, which remains a significant factor in their decision-making process regarding sports and athlete quotas. The ISA aims to continue showcasing the value of longboard competition and its potential for growth within the Olympic framework.
The changes announced by the IOC are part of a broader initiative to increase the number of mixed-gender events across various sports. In total, the Los Angeles Olympics will feature 36 sports and 351 events, marking the highest number of events in Olympic history. This includes the addition of baseball/softball and cricket, while breaking, which debuted at the Paris Games, will not be included.
Swimming will also see changes, with the addition of backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events for the 50-meter race, which previously only included freestyle. This expansion demonstrates the IOC's commitment to diversifying the swimming program.
In boxing, both men and women will compete in seven weight classes, ensuring equal representation in this combat sport. The participation of 3-on-3 basketball will also be expanded to include 12 teams each for men and women, further promoting gender equality in team sports.
The IOC's decision to increase mixed-gender events and ensure equal representation for female athletes is a significant step forward in the Olympic movement. As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics approaches, the world will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and the impact they have on the athletes and the spirit of the Games.
In conclusion, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promise to be a landmark event, not only for the athletes participating but also for the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports. With the introduction of mixed-gender events and a record number of female athletes, the IOC is setting a precedent that could redefine the Olympic landscape for years to come.
