Brief
LA28 to start U.S. torch relay in Atlanta, echoing 1996 legacy
The 2028 Olympic torch will begin its U.S. journey in Atlanta, the city that hosted the last U.S. Summer Games and where swimmer Janet Evans famously passed the flame to Muhammad Ali.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Los Angeles 2028 organisers announced that the U.S. portion of the Olympic torch relay will begin in Atlanta, a return to the city that hosted the last U.S. Summer Games in 1996. The decision echoes the iconic 1996 opening ceremony where swimmer Janet Evans passed the flame to Muhammad Ali.
Evans, now LA28’s chief athlete officer, said the experience showed her that the flame “represents victory and all those attributes about the Olympics” and “brings people together, and it’s a symbol of hope.” She recalled how the moment changed her view of the Games and inspired her to bring the torch back. The relay will start in Olympia, Greece, arrive in the U.S. in spring 2028, travel through all 50 states and culminate on 14 July 2028 with the cauldron lighting at the LA opening ceremony.
LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman admitted that the organising committee is still working to secure the millions of dollars needed for smooth transportation and to avoid budget overruns that could burden local taxpayers. The committee has not yet announced a final budget or permanent venues, but it is in the delivery phase of planning.
Key facts
- LA28 will start the U.S. torch relay in Atlanta (latimes.com)
- The relay will travel through all 50 U.S. states (latimes.com)
- The cauldron lighting is scheduled for 14 July 2028 in Los Angeles (latimes.com)
- Janet Evans is LA28’s chief athlete officer (latimes.com)
- Casey Wasserman is LA28 chairman (latimes.com)
Background
The 1996 Atlanta Games were the first U.S. Summer Olympics since 1984, and the torch relay that year featured a memorable moment when swimmer Janet Evans passed the flame to Muhammad Ali. LA28’s choice of Atlanta for the U.S. start is a deliberate nod to that legacy.
Why it matters
The decision highlights LA28’s strategy to build on historical moments to generate public interest and support for the Games, while also addressing logistical and financial challenges ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
What happens next
LA28 will continue to secure funding and finalise transportation plans for the torch relay as it moves into the delivery phase of the Games’ preparation.
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Why LA28 has chosen Atlanta as the U. S. starting point for the Olympic torch relay”
