The Olympic Games have been a global sporting event since their revival in 1896 – and they continue to reflect the spirit of their time. Hardly any other sports competition changes its programme as regularly as the Olympic Games. New trend sports are added, traditional disciplines disappear temporarily or permanently, and some return after decades.

A recent development in this dynamic evolution concerns the Modern Pentathlon, which will see a significant change in the upcoming 2028 Summer Games scheduled to be held in Los Angeles, U.S. Notably, the discipline of show jumping has been removed and replaced by an obstacle course featuring running and climbing elements, while the other disciplines (pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, and running) remain unchanged.

This article outlines the dynamic development of the Olympic program and highlights these changes as they pertain to the future of the Games.

Why the Olympic Programme Is Constantly Changing

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) regularly adjusts the programme in order to:

• Attract new demographic groups – in particular younger audiences
• Integrate sports that are growing globally
• Reflect social and political developments
• Ensure diversity and modernity within the Games

The reforms Agenda 2020 and Agenda 2020+5 have further accelerated these developments, giving host cities significantly greater flexibility in introducing new sports.

New and Returning Sports for Los Angeles 2028

For the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, five sports have been newly added or reinstated:

• Baseball / Softball – returning after an absence in Paris 2024
• Lacrosse – first included again since 1908
• Cricket – returning to the Games after 128 years
• Squash – making its Olympics debut
• Flag Football – a non-contact version of American football, included for the first time

From a risk assessment perspective, these sports will increasingly attract the interest of children, teenagers and amateur athletes. Experience shows that Olympic Games – especially when national teams win medals – often lead to significant increases in club memberships and training participation.

Sports Removed or at Risk of Removal

New sports added, but some lose their place in the programme:

• Breaking (Breakdance) – made its debut in 2024 but will not be included in 2028

The reasons for removal of a sport may include:

• Limited global participation
• Low spectator and broadcasting appeal
• Governance issues within the respective ruling federations
• Restrictions on the total number of athletes and competitions

Strong Trends – Urban Sports and Global Team Sports

Current developments show clear trends, including:

Sports Undergoing Change Rather Than Being Removed

Some disciplines remain in the programme but have undergone important changes:

• Weightlifting – confirmed for 2028 despite long-standing doping concerns
• Boxing – currently still on the programme for 2028, but ongoing discussions with the various world boxing associations
• Modern Pentathlon – there has been modification of the horse-riding discipline to increase fairness and attractiveness. Previously, athletes were assigned an unfamiliar horse shortly before the show jumping competition. At the 2020 Games, a scandal arose over an athlete’s excessive use of the whip when the horse she was riding refused to jump over the obstacles in the show jumping competition. The removal of this sport from the modern pentathlon and the inclusion of the new obstacle-course discipline aims to modernise the sport and make it more appealing.¹

Outlook for Los Angeles 2028

A total of 35 sports are planned for 2028. The programme combines tradition with modern trends. American football was not included due to safety concerns – Flag Football is viewed as a more suitable alternative.

Possible Additions for Brisbane 2032

For the scheduled Summer Games in Australia, the following sports are considered potential additions:

Conclusion

The Olympic Games programme remains dynamic and continues to evolve. The scheduled 2028 Games combine tradition and modernity in a way few Olympiads have achieved before. While classic disciplines remain firmly established, others must fight for their place – and new sports will gain an international stage.

We at Gen Re will closely monitor these developments and update our guidelines and risk decisions accordingly.

Endnote

1. Eurosport, „Moderner Fünfkampf – Nach Eklat bei Olympia: Reiten soll durch Hindernis-Disziplin ersetzt werden“, https://www.eurosport.de/moderner-funfkampf/moderner-funfkampf-nach-eklat-bei-olympia-reiten-soll-durch-hindernis-disziplin-ersetzt-werden_sto8909648/story.shtml, last accessed 12.2.2026.

All other information contained in the text is based on information provided on the official website of the Olympic Games, https://www.olympics.com/en/olympic-games, last accessed 12.2.2026