Au Revoir Paris, Hey Los Angeles and we’ll be guaranteed a Coliseum of noise in 2028 for a Games of gladiatorial combat.
I’ve seen first hand how the LA Memorial Coliseum channels the Olympic spirit with its mock classical style.
And for those who fall into the lazy stereotype of sneering at America’s recreations of the Old World.
It’s worth pointing out that the old cities of the Modern Games have dispensed with their old stadia for modern palaces.
Which is probably not the main reason why the Games are returning to America.
Three cheers
LA has real Olympic heritage with the LA Memorial Coliseum becoming the first stadium to stage three Games.
Following the successes of 1932 and 1984.
Of course, for Fiftysomethings the Coliseum holds iconic memories from 1984.
Of South Africa Brit Zola Budd clipping America’s darling Mary Decker Slaney and her lying crumpled on the track.
Fun and Games
Carl Lewis emulating Jesse Owens by winning four athletes golds at the one Games.
And Sebastian Coe holding off Steve Cram to retain his Olympic 1500m title and Daley Thompson defending his Decathlon crown.
We shouldn’t though have been surprised with the 1932 Games breaking new ground.
With the first Olympic photo-finish when Eddie Tolan held off Ralph Metcalfe to win 100m gold.
And became the first non-European to become the world’s fastest man.
Outwith the Coliseum the 1932 Games introduced an Olympic Village for the first time.
Oh Diana
To wander around the Coliseum, albeit for a concert, is to feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of athletics heroes and heroines.
New names will be inscribed into the plaques in the Coliseum in 2028 to accompany those heroes of 1932 and 1984.
Now a behemoth like the LA Coliseum doesn’t stand around looking pretty until an Olympics rolls around.
And entertainers beyond the world of sport clamour to add their names to the Coliseum Hall of Fame.
With few bigger than Diana Ross who wowed a specially invited audience to see her perform at IPW, the American travel fair.
Four years is a long time but I’m planning on Coming Out to LA in 2028.
And flying Aer Lingus with pre-clearance from €260.70.
And so as we say a fond Au Revoir Paris, Hey Los Angeles… let the Games begin.
