The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics torch relay will kick off in Atlanta, where the last U.S. Summer Games took place in 1996, and traverse all 50 states, as per organizers’ announcement on Tuesday. The Olympic flame will be ignited in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, before commencing its journey across the United States in spring 2028. The complete route for the torch relay is set to be unveiled in 2027.
LA28 organizers have revealed that the relay is anticipated to be one of the most extensive in Olympic history, featuring stops at iconic landmarks and engaging in cultural and sporting events nationwide while also hosting festival celebrations in select cities. Casey Wasserman, the chair and president of LA28, expressed that it is a privilege to carry the flame to Los Angeles, emphasizing the shared experience with Americans from all states on the path leading to the Opening Ceremony.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens conveyed the city’s pride in welcoming back the Olympic flame after 32 years since hosting the centennial Summer Games. Dickens highlighted Atlanta’s growth and global connectivity, expressing readiness to receive the flame from Greece, celebrate the Games’ spirit within the community, and propel it towards Los Angeles to continue America’s Olympic legacy.
Following the conclusion of the Olympics in August 2028, the Paralympic torch relay will commence, with the flame originating in Stoke Mandeville, England, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement. The starting location for the U.S. leg of the relay will be disclosed later on. Both torch relays will be supported by sponsors including Coca-Cola, JPMorganChase, Allstate, and Xfinity.
