The countdown to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has just begun, and one event is already sending shockwaves through the track and field world. The mixed-gender 4x100m relay. The new format promises to deliver electric moments, but the biggest story isn’t the innovation itself. It’s the fact that, after recent performances, there’s already an unmistakable favorite: Team USA. With athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson poised to dominate, the rest of the world seems to fade into oblivion, and for good reasons!
The U.S. relay teams showcased their dominance in Paris, with the women’s 4x100m squad clinching gold at 41.78, and the men’s team coming close to victory, clearly positioning the Americans to continue their relay supremacy. Now, with the addition of a mixed-gender format, the competition may be more unpredictable. As one U.S. track icon bluntly put it, rival nations better brace themselves, because Team USA isn’t just ready. They’re practically unbeatable.
On a recent episode of the Ready Set Go podcast hosted by Justin Gatlin, fans were treated to an electrifying YouTube Shorts segment that shook up the sprinting world. Wallace Spearmon, a two-time Olympian himself, didn’t hold back when discussing the newly announced mixed 4x100m relay coming to the 2028 LA Olympics. “So the IOC announced that they’re going to have in LA 28 the next 4×1 will be part of the Olympic Games. I feel sorry for the rest of the world,” Spearmon said with a smirk. And he wasn’t joking. His top picks?
Spearmon’s confidence in Team USA is nothing new. Great Britain cracking his podium lineup deserves attention, and he’s not pulling names from a hat. “I think Great Britain might finish third. I think it’s going to be the US, Jamaica, and Great Britain. Those are my top three for 28. I’m calling it now.” British sprint queen Dina Asher-Smith brings Olympic medals, world titles, and explosive starts to the table. Her resume includes being Britain’s first female world sprint champion and silver in Paris 2024. Pair her with Daryll Neita, the 3x Olympic bronze medalist who just made a coaching switch in pursuit of gold. And that’s not all. Great Britain has more stars lined up who have the potential to significantly better its chances at winning.
Add Zharnel Hughes, Grand Slam Track visionary Michael Johnson’s pick for athletes to look out for in 2025 and the British record holder in both the 100m and 200m who once torched Lyles on a relay anchor, and it’s clear why GB might be more than just a bronze bet. But not everyone was sold. When Rodney Green reminded them not to sleep on China and Japan, Gatlin pushed back, highlighting the depth of Great Britain’s squad. “Who’s going to beat Dina Asher-Smith out of the hole and give it to Daryll Neita? Who are the next two exactly?” Justin was quick to follow up with the final name. “It’s Zharnel from Great Britain.” And he’s right! Hughes’ sprint dominance and recent relay success make him an elite closer. Whether you’re waving the stars and stripes or backing the Union Jack, the 2028 relay showdown is already setting up to be a thriller.
Beyond the finish line: How LA28 will redefine spectator experience
Gone are the days when athletes crossed the finish line on sheer instinct. Barely registering what their bodies had just endured. With the LA28 Olympics on the horizon, the rules of recovery and training are being completely rewritten. Thanks to cutting-edge wearable tech, athletes can now track everything from cardiac output to muscle fatigue in real time. That means smarter training, faster recovery, and pushing performance boundaries with a precision that was once unthinkable.
But LA28 isn’t just redefining athletic excellence. It’s setting the gold standard for sustainability. The Los Angeles edition of the Olympics also strives to be ‘energy positive’- it will aim to generate more energy through renewable sources than it consumes. The upcoming Games will feature zero-waste venues, solar-powered energy systems, and temporary stadiums designed to leave a minimal footprint. “LA 2028 will accelerate the city’s ambitious goal of achieving zero waste through its venue operations and overlay reuse strategy.” It’s not just about medals anymore; it’s about responsibility. These efforts position LA28 as the most eco-conscious Olympics ever, ushering in a new era of green innovation in global sports.
And then there’s the fan experience. LA28 won’t just be watched; it’ll be lived. With immersive apps and virtual reality, spectators can dive into the Games like never before. From real-time stats to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fans will feel like they’re racing, jumping, and competing right alongside their favorite athletes. And if you’re into gaming? Esports could be making its Olympic debut with real medals on the line. Welcome to LA28, where every moment is interactive, and the future is already here.
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