The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions of the Games, featuring a mix of legendary champions and rising stars ready to leave their mark. From swimming to track, team sports to skateboarding, a new wave of global talent is preparing to take the spotlight. These athletes are not only at the peak of physical performance but also represent the changing face of international sport.
These Olympians embody the spirit of excellence, resilience, and transformation that define the modern Games.
Swimming Superstars Returning for More
Katie Ledecky (USA)
Already the most decorated female swimmer in U.S. history, Ledecky is targeting her fifth consecutive gold in the 800-meter freestyle. Her dominance in distance events remains unmatched, and her relentless training ethic makes her a major force heading into 2028.
Summer McIntosh (Canada)
After winning multiple golds in Paris 2024, McIntosh is set to become a central figure in women’s swimming. Her versatility across butterfly and medley events positions her as one of the top contenders to sweep multiple podiums in LA.
Léon Marchand (France)
Marchand stunned the world in Paris with Olympic-record performances across several medley events. His technical precision and race maturity beyond his years make him a likely repeat champion.
Track and Field: Speed, Power, and Precision
Mondo Duplantis (Sweden)
Duplantis continues to push the limits of pole vaulting with world record-breaking jumps. A third consecutive Olympic gold is within reach as he redefines the standard for his event.
Julien Alfred (Saint Lucia)
Alfred made history by bringing home Saint Lucia’s first Olympic medal. With personal bests in the 100m and 200m, she’s a rising sprint queen with her sights firmly set on LA 2028.
Quincy Wilson (USA)
At just 16, Wilson has already captured national attention with his explosive performances in the 400m. By 2028, he could be one of the youngest sprint sensations to ever compete at the Olympics.
Sha’Carri Richardson (USA)
After silencing critics with a silver in Paris, Richardson’s focus is on redemption and gold. Her raw speed and personality make her one of the most captivating figures in track and field today.
The Future of Team Sports
Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese (USA – Basketball)
These two college basketball sensations are expected to lead a new era for Team USA. With their individual brilliance and growing on-court chemistry, Clark and Reese are poised to keep USA Basketball at the top in 2028.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India – Cricket)
With cricket making its return to the Olympics, all eyes are on emerging talents from cricket-crazy nations. Suryavanshi, one of India’s youngest and brightest prodigies, could be the face of Olympic cricket’s rebirth.
Action Sports and Youth Culture
Arisa Trew (Australia – Skateboarding)
Trew shocked the world with her gold medal performance in Paris at just 14. Known for landing difficult tricks like the 900 and 720, she’s expected to be a leading figure in the continued rise of skateboarding.
Lauren Cox (Great Britain – Swimming)
Specializing in the 50m backstroke, which returns to the Olympic program in LA, Cox has broken national records and is building momentum for her debut Olympic campaign.
Para Athletes on the Rise
Funmi Oduwaiye (Great Britain)
A rising star in para athletics, Oduwaiye transitioned from basketball to field events and is already setting impressive distances in shot put and discus. She’s a top contender for Paralympic gold in 2028.
Marlies Mejías (Cuba/USA – Cycling)
After overcoming significant personal and professional challenges, Mejías has returned to top form, collecting dozens of podium finishes. She’s not only a medal contender but also a symbol of resilience and representation in the cycling world.
Key Nations and Events to Watch
- The United States will likely dominate in swimming, gymnastics, and basketball, with young talent stepping up to carry the torch.
- Canada, France, and Australia will bring strong multi-sport contingents, especially in swimming, cycling, and skateboarding.
- Emerging countries like Saint Lucia and India could make historic breakthroughs, fueled by new sporting investments and rising talent.
Conclusion
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will not just be a competition—it will be a celebration of athletic excellence, youth power, and global diversity. Whether it’s Katie Ledecky defending her crown, Julien Alfred breaking sprint records, or Caitlin Clark leading Team USA to gold, the world will be watching.
These athletes are more than competitors. They are pioneers, role models, and trailblazers set to define the next generation of sport.