Back in August at the Zurich Diamond League, fans witnessed something never seen before: a bold glimpse of track and field beyond the stadium walls. The men’s pole vault, women’s high jump, men’s long jump, and both men’s and women’s shot put were all staged in the city plaza, drawing 8,000 spectators to watch world-class performances up close. This innovative showcase could be a preview of what awaits us at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where stars like Noah Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone might bring the sport to the streets.

How, you might ask? Well, the LA 2028 Olympics is set to take place from July 14 to 30, 2028. Los Angeles will take center stage as the host city, with world-class competitions held at iconic venues across the Greater Los Angeles area. While the games will primarily unfold in established arenas, some events may also spill onto the vibrant streets of LA, adding a unique flavor to the spectacle.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, in a recent conversation with The Guardian, confirmed that he is in talks with the L.A. organizers about taking select disciplines outside the main Olympic Stadium. “I want to see more events out of the stadium,” said Coe. “I had this discussion with the new IOC sports director, Pierre Ducrey, the other day, and I said: ‘Look, we are very open to this.’” World Athletics’ president highlighted how a staggering 8,000 fans packed the plaza in front of Zurich’s Opera House during the recent Diamond League finale, an electrifying proof of concept that he believes can be replicated in Los Angeles as well.

“We wanted to see more of our events outside of the stadium in Paris. They were keen at first, and then, I think, they looked at the cost and all sorts of things. But if you do it properly, I think it’s additive, I really do. And I know LA is more open to taking some of our disciplines outside of the stadium,” said the President. Now, imagine the spectacle: World-class athletes soaring and throwing against some of L.A.’s most iconic destinations. Zürich turned its Opera House into a stage for unforgettable action, and Los Angeles could do the same with much more enthusiasm from the fans.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Venice Beach boardwalk, and even Hollywood Boulevard all have the potential to bring in massive viewership and a fresh way to showcase the sport. Of course, street events like the marathon and race walk already deliver that raw urban energy. However, unlike stadium seating, open streets invite crowds to gather freely, drawing locals and fans directly into the heart of the action and enhancing the sport’s visibility in ways no traditional arena can.

Picture this: Noah Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone blazing down the streets of Los Angeles at night, with every corner lit up in dazzling lights and festive decorations. Sounds like a dream? Well, it could soon be a reality if the L.A. organizers pass the resolution. Is Noah Lyles planning to participate in the upcoming Olympics? Well, let’s have a look at what the 200m world champion has to say about this.

Noah Lyles’ opinion on participating in LA 2028

With the World Athletics Championships wrapping up, Noah Lyles made sure to silence critics who questioned his speed this season. Securing bronze in the 100m and gold in the 200m, he reaffirmed his dominance in men’s sprinting. But what’s next for the world champion? In a conversation with The Guardian, he revealed, “I have a strong blueprint of what I want my last year in the sport to look like. I’ve looked pretty far into the future.”

When asked about retirement and his participation in LA2028 in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Lyles shared his desire to bow out on his own terms, “My final race will be at my own track meet, where I can do absolutely anything I want,” he said, hinting it could happen “sometime between 2028 and 2032.” The athlete is determined not to spend the twilight of his career past his prime, which is why he insists on retiring on his own terms. The biggest clue comes from his response to IShowSpeed regarding his future participation.

Last year, IshowSpeed and Lyles had a short sprint, with Lyles narrowly edging him out. After the buzz died down, the world champion admitted he had been running at only 20% of his true strength. Speed, however, remained skeptical. Watching the race footage, he noticed Lyles’ strained expressions and said, “Look at his face, and you are telling me he was going 20 percent? Bro, if you are going 20 percent, you don’t look like this (serious face), if you are going 20 percent, you are like (smiley face).” He added bluntly, “He was not going 20 percent.”

Well, he mentioned this during his stream and later shared it on his X handle, catching Lyles’ attention, who fired back on X, “Just remember the Olympics standard is 10.00, see you in LA.” It’s true that he made these X posts a year ago; however, it still shows that the athlete is interested in being at the LA 2028. Given that, what do you think? Will Lyles make the podium in LA?