Los Angeles celebrates designation as host of Olympic Games-2028

Los Angeles celebrated its designation as host of the Olympic Games-2028 on Wednesday with old glories of American sports, who gathered at the foot of the mythical Coliseum stadium, where the athletics events will take place.

Nastia Liukin, five-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics, John Naber, four-time Olympic swimming champion, and local and LA-2028 bid committee officials observed on the stadium screens the decisive and unanimous vote of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during a plenary session in Lima.

They congratulated themselves when IOC President Thomas Bach formalized the dual designation of Paris for 2024 and Los Angeles for 2028, before a photo session in front of the famous white facade of the Coliseum, the heart of the 1984 Olympic Games.

The ceremony took place in a very small venue, without an audience, like most of the events organized by the local Games committee.

"There is no drama (previous designations), but there is enthusiasm and excitement right now that are real," said former swimmer Naber.

After 1932 and 1984, Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games for the third time, and its ambassadors, like former gymnast Nastia Liukin, are convinced that it will be a milestone.

The same enthusiasm was shown by former swimmer John Moffet, who participated in the 1984 Olympic Games.

"This day is historic, we will enjoy it, but that doesn't mean we don't have to work: organizing the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a challenge, it's complicated, but everyone appreciates it," Moffet insisted.

The main monuments of Los Angeles, such as City Hall, the main train station, and the Griffith Observatory, were illuminated with the colors of the LA-2028 logo.

Los Angeles is expecting the visit of IOC President Thomas Bach on Sunday and Monday.