Cassandre Beaugrand, the reigning Olympic triathlon champion, is set to face a new challenge in the 2028 Los Angeles games, as the traditional opening event of swimming will be moved to the second week of the competition.
Beaugrand secured a dominant victory on home soil at the Paris 2024 Olympics, triumphing in a demanding race ahead of Julie Derron and Beth Potter. However, the lead-up to the Paris triathlon events was notably impacted by concerns regarding the water quality of the river Seine.
Break with tradition
For the upcoming Los Angeles Games, Beaugrand will not have the advantage of competing on home turf and will encounter increased competition. In a notable departure from Olympic tradition, the LA Games will not commence with swimming events. Instead, track and field will take place during the first week, from July 15-24, with swimming events scheduled for the second week. the marathon races are slated to conclude the games on the final weekend.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “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.” She added, “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.”