The first Olympic competition admitting women took place in 1900 during the Paris Games. The inaugural female Olympic competition featured 22 participants who comprised only 2.2 percent of the total athletes. This milestone introduced female athletes to the Olympic performance stage for the very first time in history. Fast forward to 2028: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics represent a groundbreaking moment in Olympic history as women athletes will outnumber their male counterparts for the very first time in sporting history.

Women’s numbers surpassing men’s numbers during competitions will establish a groundbreaking change following 128 years of gender equality progress. So, how did we get from just 2.2% of women in 1900 to this game-changing moment? Women’s involvement as athletes has risen consistently from 1900 to today. Women’s player participation increased from 10% at the 1928 (Amsterdam) Games to 11.5% at the 1960 (Rome) events.

The percentage of women in the Olympic Games has increased from 2.2% in 1900 to 22% in 1980 in Moscow and reached 38% in 2000 in Sydney. Women’s participation in the Olympic Games reached a new milestone during London 2012 at 44.2% before surpassing it in Tokyo 2020 at 47.8%. And then, women athletes achieved full gender equality with men in Paris 2024.

Women participated equally with men in the Paris Games of 2024 when athletes reached fifty percent female representation at the competition. For LA28, this progress continues. The upcoming Games will ensure that every team sport includes women’s teams that match the number of men’s teams.

For the first time in sports history, the number of women’s Boxing competitors increases to seven weight divisions alongside two new Water Polo teams at full gender equality. Football (Soccer) has raised the female tournament size to 16 teams but maintains 12 teams for the male event. Modern changes in sports administration will establish future systems to fully recognize women in athletics beyond secondary consideration.

The difficult path has led to many actual achievements. Women have struggled for multiple years to achieve equality with men in sports competition, now that numerous opportunities exist. LA28 represents a big celebration of these achievements because women will take a more prominent spot in this event than ever before. But at the same time, other changes are also part of this.

LA28 Olympics are changing the game

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are shaping up to be a game-changer with some seriously exciting additions! For starters, cricket is making a major comeback after more than a century, and it’s bringing both men’s and women’s T20 teams to the Games. The action will unfold at Fairplex in Pomona, making Southern California the new home for this iconic sport.

Lacrosse is also returning, but with a twist—this time it’s going six-a-side in a new fast-paced format called Lacrosse Sixes. Plus, squash is stepping onto the Olympic stage for the first time, and baseball/softball are back after their Tokyo 2020 inclusion. But, boxing’s future? Well, that’s still up in the air thanks to some governance issues.

But wait—there’s more! Boxing is getting a fresh update with the introduction of a brand-new weight class for women: the 65–70 kg light middleweight division. And athletics is making a move toward inclusivity with the introduction of the 4x100m mixed relay. This event is going to spice things up in a big way. These changes aren’t just about bringing in new sports, though; they’re about making the Games more diverse and exciting, appealing to a wider audience with a mix of fresh faces and old favorites.

In case you missed it, the LA28 Olympics are all about leveling the playing field. With these changes, we’re seeing more opportunities for women in sports and a ton of new events to look forward to. From cricket to lacrosse to flag football, LA28 is set to deliver an Olympic experience like no other. Get ready—this is going to be one for the books!