Organisers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have unveiled the triathlon course for Venice Beach, which will see athletes begin their race from the sand directly into the Pacific Ocean. This unique beach start will be only the second in Olympic triathlon history.
The women's individual triathlon, scheduled for 15 July 2028, is set to award the first medals of the Games. The men's race will follow on 16 July, with the mixed relay on 20 July.
The course will take competitors through Venice, utilising the beachfront bike path, local streets, and the Venice Canals. It features a two-lap 1,500m swim, a largely flat 40km cycling course, and a 10km run, all designed to allow spectators to see athletes repeatedly.
Shana Ferguson, LA28's chief of sport and Games delivery officer, stated that this iconic neighbourhood will add a meaningful chapter to its history as it hosts the first medal events.
A full-scale test of the Venice courses is planned for next summer, with a World Triathlon event scheduled from 16-18 July, giving organisers an opportunity to assess the routes and operations a year before the Games.