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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.”
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