Skateboarders have a reason to keep an eye on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
With mixed-gender events expanding and the door still open for new formats, skateboarding could be next in line.
According to reports, the International Olympic Committee announced an increase in mixed-gender team competitions, and while skateboarding hasn't officially been included yet, the flexibility offered to individual federations means it’s very much on the table.
This time around, LA28 is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive Games yet.
Not only are mixed-gender teams getting a boost — with new formats introduced in artistic gymnastics, track relays, golf, archery, table tennis, and coastal rowing.
But women will actually make up more than half the athlete pool. That’s a first in Olympic history.
What does that mean for LGBTQIA+ inclusion? A lot.
The numbers already show that when there are more women competing, there are more out LGBTQIA+ athletes.
At the Paris Games, nearly 200 LGBTQIA+ athletes set to compete, with the majority being women.
In women’s soccer alone, there were 46 out players — compared to zero in the men’s tournament. LA28 will add four more women’s soccer teams, which could easily bring more out athletes to the field.
The IOC’s support goes beyond just numbers. Its framework on fairness, inclusion, and non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations sets a clear tone: everyone deserves a spot, and every sport has a chance to create a welcoming environment.
This mindset makes skateboarding. Already known for its open and expressive community. A natural fit for a potential mixed-gender team format in the near future.
Of course, a lot depends on proposals from international sports federations.
But with the IOC actively inviting more mixed-gender events, and with skateboarding already embraced by a diverse and inclusive generation, LA28 could be the perfect moment for the Olympic debut of a mixed team skate event.
As IOC sports director Kit McConnell put it, “The mixed events are a real true embodiment of gender equality — men and women competing in the same team, on the same field of play for their country.”
He also emphasized that high viewership and attendance at women’s events make it clear that this isn’t about filling quotas — people are tuning in and showing up.
So while nothing is official yet, the framework is there.
The numbers back it up. And if skateboarding’s inclusive community and worldwide appeal keep growing, don’t be surprised if 2028 brings a fresh kind of Olympic heat to the streets of Los Angeles.
With mixed-gender skate teams leading the charge and more LGBTQIA+ athletes rolling proudly alongside them.