Pony show or Olympic competition?

The racing format for the Sailing Program the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics has been a hot topic as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) seeks a climatic ending for each of the ten events. Think 100 meter sprinter breaking the finish line and winning the gold.

But after a lifetime of training, variance in the weather can derail the effort, and therein lies the problem. Will the best athletes soon choose to not compete in the Olympics? Can the sport ever achieve the IOC’s goal?

Matthew Sheahan for Yachting World is asking the questions. “What should an Olympic medal represent? Is it still sport’s ultimate accolade? Is it a demonstration that you’re the best in the world and have dedicated your entire life to proving it? Or is it more of a blue Peter badge, a confirmation that you took part in a piece of sporting media entertainment that you should be proud of?”

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Sailing Program (July 16-28):
First Week – July 16-20
Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class – Long Beach, CA
Men’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA
Women’s Windsurfing – iQFOiL – Long Beach, CA

Second Week – July 23-28
Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7 – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470 – Los Angeles, CA
Men’s Skiff – 49er – Los Angeles, CA
Women’s Skiff – 49erFX – Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17 – Los Angeles, CA

For more details, click here.