Search
shop

GOLDEN opportunity for the sport as first medals of LA2028 will be women’s triathlon

Triathlon has been handed a major boost with the news that the sport will take centre stage at the start of the Los Angeles Olympics
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Triathlon has been handed a golden primetime opportunity with the news that it will take centre stage at the Los Angeles Olympics when the sport awards the first medals of the Games in three years’ time.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday 14 July and the very first medals of the Games will then go to the first, second and third in the women’s triathlon on Venice Beach the following morning.

Cassandre Beaugrand triumphed at the Paris Olympics and hopes to defend her title in what promises to be another must-watch contest.

Advertisement

“Eyes of the world”

World Triathlon President, Antonio Arimany, said: “We are incredibly excited not only to be part of the LA28 Olympic Games, but especially to have the honour of awarding the very first medal.

“We know that the eyes of the world will be on the best triathletes of this generation as they compete for Olympic glory.

“World Triathlon will work closely with LA28 to provide an exciting and thrilling competition that will captivate millions of viewers worldwide and draw hundreds of thousands of passionate spectators to the streets of Venice Beach.

Paris 2024 Women's Triathlon podium - Cassandre Beaugrand, Julie Derron, Beth Potter
Paris 2024 Olympic Games by Wagner Araujo (@wags.photo)

“The triathlon competition, the individual events and the Mixed Relay, were iconic in Paris 2024, and we are committed that LA28 will be even better. We are looking forward to three unforgettable days of competition in Venice Beach.”

Early start

The women’s individual triathlon will be held on Saturday, July 15, with the men’s event following a day later and the Mixed Team Relay will be held on Thursday, July 20.

As with Paris, competitors on Venice Beach are in for an early start to the competitions, with the Individual triathlon races beginning at 7:30am local time, and the Mixed Relay starting at 8:00am.

Paris 2024 Olympics - Cassandre Beaugrand wins
Photo Credit: World Triathlon

French icon Beaugrand produced a masterclass on home soil last time out, winning a brutal race ahead of Julie Derron and Beth Potter but the build up to all the triathlon events in Paris was often overshadowed by concerns over the water quality in the River Seine.

Advertisement

Break with tradition

Beaugrand will face added competition this time around and will not have home advantage to rely on as she looks to defend her crown.

In a break with tradition, the LA Games will not begin with swimming, with track and field instead moved to the first week from July 15-24, and swimming moving to the second week. The marathon events will still take place on the final weekend.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said: “We are now three years away from the LA Memorial Coliseum hosting the opening of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and I’m proud that the first medal will be awarded at the iconic Venice Beach.

“When the world comes here for these Games, we will highlight every neighbourhood as we host a Games for all and work to ensure it leaves a monumental legacy.

“We are already delivering that legacy. I want to thank LA28 and the International Olympic Committee for their continued work to host the greatest Games yet.”

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Tim Don Alex Yee joy Supertri Toronto 2025
‘Almost untouchable’ – Tim Don on ‘generational talent’ Alex Yee’s WTCS return
Sam Laidlow IRONMAN World Championship 2023 Nice finish line celebration
Title favourite Sam Laidlow focusing on the mind as well as the body ahead of Nice showdown
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2025: Date, start times and how to watch live
Chrissie Wellington 2023 photo credit: Challenge Roth
IRONMAN legend Chrissie Wellington shortlisted in BBC vote for ‘UK Sportswoman of the 21st Century’
Alex Yee Cassandre Beaugrand gold medals supertri Boston photo credit supertri
WTCS French Riviera 2025: Date, start times and how to watch Yee and Beaugrand in races of the season so far
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...