Emerging Athletes to Watch at the LA28 Games

As the world gears up for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, attention is not only on veteran champions returning for another run-but increasingly on a new generation of athletes rising fast, hungry to make Olympic history.

These athletes are found across continents and disciplines-from the swimming pool to the track, gymnastics mat, and emerging sports that have been added recently into the Olympic program.

Herein, we highlight a few of the most promising rising stars, whose talent and discipline, coupled with recent achievements, place them among the most likely to shine at LA28. Their stories weave through global diversity, youth ambition, and the changing face of the Olympic Movement.

Rising Swim Stars: Speed & Olympic Glory

Swimming remains a cornerstone of the Summer Olympics, and LA28 is set to showcase a new generation of elite talent. Young swimmers are already redefining speed, technique, and mental strength on the global stage.

Summer McIntosh, just 18, has emerged as a world-class swimming prodigy. Calm under pressure and technically exceptional, she has proven capable of winning medals and challenging world records.

France’s Léon Marchand, around 20 years old, is a rising medley star known for his endurance, versatility, and race intelligence. Romania’s David Popovici, also 20, combines smooth technique with rare composure, making him a major threat in the 100m and 200m freestyle.

Together, these athletes signal a generational shift that could redefine competitive swimming at LA28.

Track & Field Rising Stars: Young Sprinters to Watch

Many young athletes, especially sprinters, are already preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. Although predicting success years in advance is difficult, several rising stars have earned global recognition through strong performances at youth, junior, and early senior levels.

This new generation of sprinters could challenge established stars with their raw speed, powerful finishes, and growing competitive experience. Their youth gives them an edge, along with the motivation and opportunity to chase Olympic gold.

Beyond sprinting, events like mixed-gender relays at the LA28 Olympics may spotlight fresh talent. These competitions could produce surprise medalists and introduce new faces on the Olympic platform.

Youth in Motion: Gymnastics, Climbing & New Olympic Sports

Sports continue to evolve alongside the Olympic Games, and LA28 will showcase new and reformed events designed to be more dynamic, youth-focused, and visually engaging. These changes create opportunities for young athletes who bring energy, confidence, and a fearless competitive spirit.

Gymnastics is a key example where young talent can rise quickly through natural ability, discipline, and maturity. With expanded categories and mixed-gender events at LA28, young gymnasts will have more chances than ever to make a lasting impact.

These events reward creativity, agility, and adaptability, allowing emerging athletes to stand out early in their international careers.

Overall, LA28 reflects a balance of tradition and innovation, highlighting how the Olympics are embracing modern sports culture. This shift supports a new generation of athletes and connects the Games more closely with younger, diverse global audiences.

New & Returning Olympic Sports: Pathways for Rising Stars

The 2028 Olympic Games will feature an expanded program with more sports and higher levels of competition, creating new opportunities for rising athletes to win their first Olympic medals.

Boxing will return to the Olympics after its reorganization, giving young fighters a global stage to showcase their talent.

Squash will make its long-awaited Olympic debut, opening doors for junior and emerging players, especially from nations with strong squash traditions.

There is also growing discussion about introducing cricket in the T20 format, which could allow young cricketers to become their country’s first Olympic champions

Spotlight: Prospective Young Medal‑Contenders

Here are few individual names and areas that analysts and insiders highlight as probable standout athletes for LA28. While nothing is certain injuries, selection, form fluctuations all factor in these candidates illustrate the global breadth of emerging talent.

Swimming & Water Sports

• Summer McIntosh (Canada)  already a world champion and world-class medal contender.
• Léon Marchand (France) medley specialist turned versatile swimmer aiming for multiple events.
• David Popovici (Romania) sprint‑freestyle prodigy with potential to challenge top names globally.

Track & Field / Athletics

• Several teenage or early‑20s sprinters and relay team hopefuls globally while names shift rapidly, experts expect the younger generation to usher in new national and Olympic record contenders by 2028.

Combat & Strength Sports

• Young upcoming boxers and weightlifters worldwide may benefit from the renewed presence of boxing at LA28. The reset in organizational oversight also offers a fairer, more transparent path for rising talent.

Racquet & Court Sports (New/Returning Sports)

• Emerging squash players from traditional and non-traditional squash nations: with Olympic debut at LA28, they carry hopes of becoming first-time Olympic medallists.
• Cricket hopefuls from cricket‑loving nations: with potential inclusion, new names will emerge, offering a generational breakthrough for younger cricketers.

Global Youth & Diversity: Shaping a More Inclusive Olympics

The Olympic Games continue to evolve, and by 2028 the diversity of athletes competing is expected to grow even further. Globalization, better training facilities, and wider talent scouting are expanding the worldwide athlete pool.

More emerging athletes now come from regions with limited past Olympic presence, including Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Grassroots programs, improved coaching, and greater media exposure have played a key role in their development.

For many, LA28 represents more than personal success it marks a historic moment for their nations. This growing inclusiveness reflects a more balanced and global Olympic movement.

Youth Power: A More Global Olympics

Emerging athletes heading into LA28 face significant challenges despite their talent, especially due to limited experience under intense Olympic pressure.

Beyond physical skills, these athletes must build strong support systems, including quality coaching, mental health care, and injury prevention. Such structures help them manage pressure and perform consistently at elite levels.

Developing resilience, discipline, and focus is essential for long-term success. Commitment to the journey toward LA28 is just as important as results on the Olympic stage.

LA28: Dawn of a New Olympic Era

LA28 will be more than a traditional Olympic Games, featuring expanded sports, new disciplines, and youth-focused events that could redefine the modern Olympics. These changes are set to inspire a new generation of global athletic talent.

Greater participation from younger athletes and diverse nations may democratize Olympic success. Medals could be shared more widely, giving lesser-known countries moments of pride on the world stage.

This youth-driven, inclusive approach may boost global investment in sports infrastructure. It will encourage young people to engage in athletics and help the Olympics unite cultures through sport.

Tracking the Road to LA28

As fans, sports journalists, or aspiring athletes, here’s how you can track and engage with these emerging talents in the run-up to 2028:

•   Follow major championships – Watch World Championships, Junior Championships, and Continental Cups to spot future Olympic contenders early.
• Track youth and U23 events -Young athletes often develop into world-class competitors by 2028.
• Monitor national trials – Selection events reveal rising talent as qualification processes begin.
• Support emerging sports – New or returning Olympic sports like squash and cricket may produce surprise stars.
• Engage on social media – Following athlete’s online offers insight into their training, challenges, and growth.

By staying engaged, you can witness the transition of hopefuls into potential Olympic stars offering a front row seat to the birth of future legends.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, offering a major platform for a new generation of athletes to redefine excellence and inspire a global audience.

Young competitors, supported by modern infrastructure and global opportunities, will arrive with ambition and purpose. Athletes from both traditional powers and emerging nations will compete not only for medals, but to create lasting legacies.

As LA28 approaches, excitement will grow worldwide, setting the stage for the rise of future Olympic champions.