Why American Olympic Stars Are Returning for Los Angeles 2028

The chance to compete at a home Olympics is drawing a growing number of American sporting stars back into competition ahead of Los Angeles 2028. For athletes who have already experienced Olympic success, the opportunity to perform before a home crowd is proving difficult to resist.

Comebacks after lengthy breaks are not new, with legends such as Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps, Lindsey Vonn and Simone Biles having returned to competition at different stages of their careers. However, the buildup to Los Angeles could bring an unusually large wave of American Olympic comebacks.

Track and field icon Allyson Felix is mounting a return in her early 40s, while six-time Olympic medalist and 2020 Olympic all-around champion Suni Lee announced last month that she has resumed training for a potential third Games. Gymnast Jade Carey, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has also returned, winning the vault and finishing fifth in the all-around at the U.S. championships.

Carey, who will be 28 when the Los Angeles Games begin, said she probably would have pursued another Olympics regardless, but acknowledged that competing in the United States makes the opportunity even more special.

The appeal extends beyond sport. Since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, social media, personal branding and sponsorship opportunities have transformed athletes' ability to capitalize on Olympic success. A medal won on home soil can create a lasting commercial and cultural legacy.

The “Magnificent Seven”, the U.S. women's gymnastics team that won gold in Atlanta, remains a prime example. Members including Kerri Strug and Amanda Borden continue to be remembered decades later.

Veteran agent Sheryl Shade believes the opportunities surrounding Los Angeles could be greater than at any previous Games, with benefits extending well beyond the competition itself.

Yet returning carries physical and mental risks, particularly under intense home expectations. Seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller, who attempted a comeback for Sydney 2000, encourages athletes to pursue the opportunity even if success is uncertain.

The experience of Simone Biles, who withdrew from several events at Tokyo 2020 while dealing with the “twisties,” underscores the pressure athletes face.

For younger competitors such as Skye Blakely, injuries and setbacks have not ended the Olympic dream. As Los Angeles approaches, home advantage, legacy, national pride and opportunity could make the Games an irresistible target.