The upcoming 2028 Summer Olympic Games, to be held in the city of Los Angeles, will mark a historic milestone in gender equity, as for the first time there will be an equal number of team disciplines for men and women. In addition, the Olympic soccer tournament will have more women’s teams (16) than men’s (12), something unprecedented in Olympic history.
This decision was approved by the International Olympic Committee(IOC) during the first meeting of its Executive Committee following the election of Kirsty Coventry as president of the body, replacing Germany’s Thomas Bach. Coventry, a former Olympic champion from Zimbabwe, will officially take office on June 23, 2025.
Soccer and boxing also with equality
Buzzy
IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell explained that this change for the 2028 Olympics is in response to a request from FIFA to equalize representation in Olympic soccer.
At Paris 2024, the men’s tournament featured 16 teams and the women’s tournament 12; now, those numbers will be reversed.
While in other team sports, such as water polo, the number of women’s teams will increase to 12, matching the number of men’s teams.
In boxing, a new category for women will be added, also equalizing the number of divisions by gender.
These decisions reflect the IOC’s commitment to an effective and progressive equality agenda, both symbolically and operationally.
More speed in the pool
Another new feature announced for the 2028 Olympic Games was the addition of six new swimming sprint events.
Specifically the 50 meters backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly for both men and women.
This adjustment broadens the opportunities for competition and improves the balance in the calendar of short races, always popular with the public.
This decision was approved by the International Olympic Committee
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The U.S. Hispanic community, which historically follows both men’s and women’s soccer with enthusiasm, will see a fairer and more balanced participation.
In addition, Latino athletes in disciplines such as boxing, swimming and team sports will have greater opportunities to represent their countries on an equal footing.
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