Kohl Jackson, Sports Writer
Five sports have officially been added to the schedule of events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This new list includes baseball, softball, lacrosse, squash and interestingly flag football as well. A sport primarily played in the United States, flag football, got invented in the 1940s as a recreational game with less risk of injury than contact American football. Since then, flag football has spread to many other parts of the world with over 70 nations joining the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). The International Olympic Committee finally announced its approval of flag football on October 16th and steps are being taken in preparation for its Olympic debut in the United States.
“I think it will be a great addition,” says Seth Spoo, an OBU flag football competitor for the last four years. “It will be really cool for those players who are playing flag football in a semi-professional sense but be able to be on TV and be seen by the world to show off their skills.”
There’s been much speculation as to what players will participate in this new Olympic activity. Some NFL players including Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill have shown interest since the news broke. The NFL officially endorsed and encouraged the idea of its players competing which allows the possibility of building an all-star roster of talented players.
When asked about which player he would like to watch play, Spot replied, “One of my personal favorites, Ezekiel Elliott.”
He then proceeded to explain the differences between flag football and contact football,
highlighting the importance of spinning, juking and route running which could be used to Ezekiel Elliott’s advantage.
Caleb Campell a second-year flag football player added, “I heard that they are going to get
retired players too. I think it’ll be fun to watch for sure.”
Fans of football are excited to see the potential in former college and XFL players having another opportunity to shine during the Olympics for the entire world to see. Currently there are not many details regarding the format of this particular event. As a non- contact sport, there is some speculation over whether or not there will be a women’s category to display their athleticism as well. Similar questions are being asked related to baseball as well. Will top-level
players participate even if they are allowed to? A common concern is the conflicting schedules of training and matchups between the MLB and the Olympic games. Players will likely choose their careers with their respective pro baseball teams over the Olympics if necessary for future success. In the history of baseball, minor league players tend to be included over the more successful major league players that contribute a lot to MLB. At this moment in time there has been no statement made on behalf of MLB to allow its major league players to participate in 2028.
Philadelphia Phillies star athlete Bryce Harper commented on this topic by saying, “I don’t know if they’ll ever go for it, but I would love to put ‘USA’ on my chest and represent it at the highest level.”
As for the other sports that have been recently approved to be included in the games, some are making a return for the first time in many years. For example, cricket, a popular sport in India, is returning for the first time since 1900. Lacrosse returns as well despite rarely being played in previous Olympics. Squash (also known as racquetball) however, is making its first
ever appearance after being previously denied as a possible addition.
