With the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics just around the corner, the spotlight is shining brightly on California’s long and illustrious relationship with the Olympic Games. It’s an impressive history, dating back to 1932 when Los Angeles first rolled out the red carpet for athletes and introduced a key tradition—the podium ceremony with national flags. Who knew that a little flag-raising could impact future Olympics for decades to come?
Fast forward to 1960, when the Winter Olympics were hosted in Olympic Valley, adding new events like women’s speed skating while controversially omitting bobsled—an absence that made history all on its own! The 1984 Summer Olympics brought a turnaround in how the Games were viewed financially. With a whopping $223 million profit, L.A.’s approach of leveraging existing facilities became the playbook for future host cities.
Looking ahead, Los Angeles is set to become the first city to host the Summer Olympics three times in just two years. Upcoming events promise exciting new additions including flag football and squash. California continues to prove it’s not just about the sun and surf; it’s a powerhouse on the Olympic stage, ensuring that every Games brings a unique story to tell and a legacy to expand. What’s next, California? A fun ride awaits!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
