World Aquatics Approves 50m Stroke Events for 2028 Olympic Games

The 50s of stroke will formally be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, according to a World Aquatics announcement today.

Following World Aquatics’ August request to add the 50-second backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events to the Olympic calendar, this decision was made. Although competitors already compete in these events at every World Championship, they have never before been included in the Olympic schedule.

There is currently no word on whether the eight-day meet will be extended to accommodate six extra events or if the 26-athlete per gender roster limit will be raised.

World Aquatics manages the extra events at World Championship meets by accommodating the extra events by swimming more events each day.

With the addition of these competitions, the total number of swimming medals from the 35 events at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris has increased to 41, and the total number of aquatics medals (including diving, open water, artistic swimming, and water polo) has reached 55, more than any other sport.

World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam said “Today’s decision is a testament to the continued evolution of swimming at the Olympic Games. Including these six new events enhances the programme’s balance and adds more opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills on the world’s biggest stage.”

Last month, former swimmer Kirsty Coventry was named IOC president, and the IOC executive board “unanimously endorsed the proposal,” according to World Aquatics.