The Olympic flag arrived in Los Angeles on Monday, signalling the city’s preparations to host the 2028 Summer Olympics. The flag was delivered aboard a Delta Airlines jet painted with “LA28” and palm trees, as Tupac Shakur’s iconic song “California Love” played on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, dressed in a red Team USA tracksuit, joyfully raised the Olympic flag as she descended the plane’s stairs. California Governor Gavin Newsom welcomed her, while Olympic athletes including diver Delaney Schnell and skateboarder Tate Carew accompanied her.
Mayor Bass expressed great pride and responsibility after collecting the flag in Paris on Sunday. She emphasised that, while Los Angeles has been actively preparing, there is an increased need to speed up efforts to host excellent games.
Los Angeles, which was awarded the 2028 Games in 2017, will host the Olympics for the third time, after doing so in 1932 and 1984. Bass acknowledged Paris’ high standards, but emphasised LA’s distinct advantage—Hollywood—promising “magical opportunities.”
The flag was handed over during the closing ceremony in Paris, where actor Tom Cruise added Hollywood flair by rappelling from a stadium roof before skydiving near the Hollywood sign.
