Olympic Torch Relay to Span All 50 States for Los Angeles 2028
The Olympic flame for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles will travel through all 50 U.S. states in a historic first, starting its domestic journey in Georgia before concluding in California, tournament organizers announced. LA28 organizers confirmed that the torch relay will kick off in the spring of 2028, launching from Atlanta, the last U.S. city to host the Summer Olympics back in 1996.
Route Planning and Historical Precedents
While the detailed route map will not be revealed until 2027, the general trajectory is already set by tradition and logistics. Following ancient custom, the flame will first be lit in Olympia, Greece, the historical cradle of the Olympic Games, before making its journey across the Atlantic to Atlanta. This route marks a significant expansion from previous U.S.-hosted Summer Games. During the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the torch visited 42 states—and even made it into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia—while the 1984 Los Angeles Games torch relay touched 33 states.
Leadership Perspective on the Nationwide Journey
LA28 President Casey Wasserman emphasized the unifying scale of the upcoming relay during Tuesday’s announcement. According to Wasserman, carrying the flame to every corner of the country allows Americans from all 50 states to participate directly in the buildup to the opening ceremony. The organizing committee aims to weave local communities into the fabric of the Olympic buildup well before the competition begins.
Competition Dates and Schedule
The 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles are officially scheduled to run from July 14 through July 30, remaining the target window for organizers to release specific torch relay checkpoints, community stopovers, and detailed scheduling information ahead of the spring 2028 launch.
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