The devastating California wildfires are both destroying neighbourhoods and raising alarm bells for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Organising Committee.

With the Riviera Country Club and Sepulveda Basin under threat, the challenges of ensuring the Games’ safety are becoming increasingly apparent.

Los Angeles, one of the United States’ most iconic cultural and sporting hubs, is enduring what can only be described as a living nightmare.

 Since Tuesday, 7 January, a massive wildfire has ravaged the region, destroying homes, landmarks, and now, alarmingly, some of the facilities planned for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Worse still, the death toll from California’s fires has risen to 11, with over 35,000 hectares reduced to ash.

With six active firefronts, the destruction has spread citywide. Local authorities report mass evacuations, with critical structures under threat. Yet, amid the immediate chaos, there lies a longer-term concern—one that mobilised multiple agencies: the fate of LA 2028.

The Games, intended to leave a lasting legacy, are now facing a very literal trial by fire

Among the most affected areas is the prestigious Riviera Country Club, slated to host the Olympic golf tournament.

Initially, outside the evacuation zones, the rapid spread of the Palisades fire, driven by winds reaching 100 mph (160 km/h), placed the club squarely within the danger zone.

Flames now encircle the area, which also borders natural landmarks like Topanga State Park, itself under threat.

Another critical site is the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, set to host archery, BMX, and skateboarding events.

While local firefighters reported no structural damage or injuries so far, the situation remains volatile, with conditions that could change in an instant.

The risk is not confined to these venues. The historic Rose Bowl Stadium, scheduled to host football matches during the Games, is also within an evacuation protocol zone in Pasadena.

Beyond the Olympic venues, the environmental crisis deeply impacted athletes and professional teams across various leagues.

Many affected areas are home to current and former athletes, including ex-Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr., who lost his house and 10 Olympic medals in the Palisades fire.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returned to Los Angeles to support his family following their evacuation.

Meanwhile, Warriors coach Steve Kerr lost his childhood home, though his mother was rescued in time.

Both the NBA and NFL issued statements of solidarity with those affected.

Coaches like Lakers’ JJ Redick have seen their homes consumed by flames, highlighting that the sport, despite its global prominence, is not immune to the tragedies that devastate its surrounding communities.

For its part, the NFL decided to relocate the ‘wild card’ game between the Vikings and the Rams from Inglewood to Glendale, Arizona, due to the uncontrolled flames.

The Rams, who had to halt their training sessions after new flare-ups in West Hills, were unable to resume practice. This isn’t the first time wildfires disrupted the league.

Back in 2003, the Chargers were also forced to move a game to Arizona under similar circumstances.

“The entire NBA and NBPA family extends its thoughts and support to the Los Angeles community during these challenging times.

“We are grateful for the thousands of local firefighters and first responders who have shown incredible bravery.

“Our prayers remain with those affected by the unimaginable devastation caused by the fires,” expressed on Thursday by the NBA regarding support for the victims.

The Los Angeles 2028 Organising Committee also addressed the situation on social media, expressing gratitude to firefighters, volunteers, and other groups committed to recovery efforts. 

They’ve shared resources to assist those in need, including the American Red Cross Los Angeles, the LAFD Foundation, the California Firefighters Foundation, and Airbnb’s Emergency Housing Assistance for those displaced by the fires.

Nevertheless, the disaster raises deeper questions. With just over three years until the Olympic torch lights up the city, doubts linger.

Can LA 2028 ensure the safety of its venues in a region increasingly vulnerable to wildfires? How will this catastrophe influence the event’s planning and global perception? 

As the flames continue to consume hectares across Los Angeles, the road to the 2028 Olympic Games faces an unprecedented challenge.

But if there’s one thing this city is known for, it’s its ability to rise from the ashes—a spirit the organisers hope to channel into an event destined to be unforgettable.

-Inside The GamesFollow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Multiple Olympic champion Gary Hall Jr., lost both his medals and his home to the California wildfires on Thursday which he described as “worse than any apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen.” Shocked but reflective, he remarked on what truly matters: “What can you do? They’re just things.”

The devastating wildfires, which have ravaged Southern California destroying homes, structures, and lives, began on 7 January and intensified on the 9th with new outbreaks in Woodland Hills and the Angeles National Forest.

 They have scorched more than 35,000 acres, leaving a tragic toll of 10 fatalities, over 5,000 structures destroyed, and thousands of residents displaced.

 Strong winds and dry conditions have complicated containment efforts, forcing authorities to issue widespread evacuation orders across the Los Angeles region.

Hall Jr., renowned for his illustrious career in Olympic swimming, was at home when he saw the flames racing towards his property. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, the veteran athlete recounted the moment he realised the danger: “I saw a plume of smoke rising from my backyard. Within minutes, the flames were there. I had no time.”

He ultimately lost his home along with his 10 treasured Olympic medals in the blaze that swept through Pacific Palisades this second week of January.

“I had no time.” Hall described the chaos as he spoke with his daughter on the phone.

Houses were exploding, the sounds of blasts were constant, and traffic on Sunset Boulevard became impassable, with people abandoning their cars and running for their lives. In that instant, Hall managed to save only the essentials: his dog and a few personal items.

Among the most notable losses were his 10 Olympic medals, including five golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, earned during his appearances at the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Games.

 “I thought about the medals but I had no time to grab them,” Hall explained. “Everyone asks if the medals were burned. Yes, everything burned. But they’re just things. I can live without them.”

-Insidethegames

 Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Dr Amos Adamu who hardly made public views since leaving the sports scene nearly a decade ago has broken his silence.

According to Inside The Games’ publication, the former Director-General of the Nigeria National Sports Commission (NSC), has expressed little surprise that Nigeria returned from the Paris 2024 Olympics without any medals. 

Adamu revealed he had anticipated the outcome, having previously warned about the potential failure before the event began in July.

 “The same fate can befall us at the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in the US in 2028, because there is so far no concrete plan on the ground to change the narrative,” Adamu remarked.

Nigeria’s 19th appearance at the Olympic Games ended in disappointment, marked by controversies and a lack of medals, despite high expectations following Tokyo 2020, where Nigeria won two medals (silver and bronze). The 88 Nigerian athletes across 12 sports, supported by N9 billion in government funding, ultimately fell short of expectations, marking the country’s worst performance since London 2012.

Adamu recalled warning the then Minister, John Enoh, before the event that Nigeria’s athletes would not win medals, explaining, “Where would the medals have come from? They don’t buy medals at the Olympics. You plan and work for this over time.”

He noted the late release of training funds and the lack of proper planning, saying, “The athletes didn’t get money to train as at when due… Medals are not sold but won.” During his tenure, Adamu emphasised long-term athlete development, training abroad, and timely funding.

Adamu cautioned that unless decisive steps are taken, Nigeria might face a similar outcome in 2028, despite a larger budget. “Even with an increased budget now, there may be nothing to celebrate as achievement at the end of the 2028 Games if concrete steps were not taken immediately,” he said.

Nigeria has participated in every Summer Olympic Games since its debut in 1952, excluding the 1976 Montreal Games due to apartheid-related boycotts.

-insidethegames

 Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H