Will the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles Mark America’s Triumph?

Los Angeles is gearing up for an exciting challenge—revamping the Paralympics experience after Paris set a high standard. During the Paris Games, over 4,000 athletes participated, and 2.4 million tickets were sold, making it one of the most successful Paralympic events, second only to the London Games of 2012. Now, the U.S. organizers face the task of elevating para sports in America.

Craig Spence, spokesperson for the International Paralympic Committee, stated, “We want to conquer America.” Retired Army Lt. Gen. Reynold Hoover, who is the CEO of the organizing committee for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, shares a positive outlook. He believes that even though Los Angeles doesn’t have landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, it boasts impressive venues like the Coliseum, the Rose Bowl, and SoFi Stadium.

While the exact Paralympic venues in Los Angeles are still under discussion, final decisions are expected by the end of 2024. Since LA was awarded the bid in 2017, several key locations such as Crypto.com Arena and Sofi Stadium have been either transformed or newly constructed, enhancing the athletic experience.

With the addition of five new sports to the Olympics and para climbing making its debut in the Paralympics, a record number of about 15,000 athletes are anticipated to compete. “We try to figure out what is the sport that is kind of new, engaging, emerging and can offer the Paralympians another avenue to show their intensity and commitment,” Hoover explained.

To elevate the popularity of the Paralympics in the United States, several key factors need to be addressed. One of the most pressing areas is television coverage. As the Paris Games concluded, other major sports such as the NFL and college football took the spotlight, dominating the U.S. sports landscape.

Chris Hammer, a veteran of para triathlon who recently won a gold medal, noted this challenge. “I love American football; that’s what I watch on TV,” he admitted. Generally, he expressed concern that Americans do not embrace niche sports like their European counterparts, which could hinder the growth of para sports.

Since the 2012 London Games, the UK’s Channel 4 has consistently broadcast the Paralympics on live television. France’s national broadcaster provided nearly continuous coverage of the recent games. However, in the U.S., the expansion of NBC and Peacock’s coverage has led to concerns about accessibility for viewers, especially when content is behind a paywall.

Aaron Phipps, a member of Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby team, reflected on the stark differences in media coverage. He recalled a time back in 2012 when U.S. athletes were thrilled to be on television, which he found surprising since it felt normalized in the UK.

Another factor is potential “Olympic fatigue.” The Olympics and Paralympics often stretch for weeks, posing a challenge for audiences to stay engaged. However, Hoover is optimistic, suggesting that advancements in technology will create a more interactive experience that will keep fans engaged and excited about the events in Los Angeles.

Spence emphasized the potential for synergy with Hollywood, stating that the organizing committee has a unique opportunity to elevate Paralympic athletes into pop culture icons. He believes this visibility will help shift societal perceptions of athletes with disabilities.

Scout Bassett, a Paralympian and member of the Los Angeles athletes’ commission, stressed the importance of collaboration between Olympians and Paralympians to foster greater awareness. “We are a country that celebrates winning and success,” she said, indicating the necessity of telling these athletes’ stories to change perceptions of individuals with disabilities.

Aoki, a veteran of Team USA’s wheelchair rugby team, expressed hope that the Los Angeles Games could inspire many individuals with disabilities to recognize their potential for competition, as many aspiring athletes may be unaware of available programs.

In terms of performance, while the U.S. shone at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, it faces stiff competition in the Paralympics, particularly from China, which has held the leading medal count since 2004. Jessica Long, a highly decorated Paralympic swimmer, urged the U.S. to reassess its priorities and enhance support for athletes.

For athletes like Matt Stutzman, financial concerns pose significant challenges, as they struggle to balance training with fiscal responsibilities. He noted that receiving financial bonuses—$38,000 for gold, $23,000 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze—pales in comparison to the stress of choosing between pursuing sports or providing for their families.

As Los Angeles approaches the 2028 Games, Aoki acknowledged that while topping the medal table is an ambitious goal, it is achievable if people are made aware of the opportunities in para sports. “The reality is you know, China’s a very large country. The United States is a large country, too. We have the ability to have athletes contesting every event,” he stated. “We just don’t because people don’t know they have access to sport.”

Source: Various