The Los Angeles Post

Governor Newsom Welcomes Home California Olympians, Prepares for LA28

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LAPost / LOS ANGELES, August 12, 2024 — Governor Gavin Newsom today celebrated California’s Olympians as they returned from the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Accompanied by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the Governor welcomed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, 40 Olympic athletes, and members of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee at Los Angeles International Airport.

The Golden State athletes earned an impressive 22 medals, including seven golds, making California the top contributor to Team USA’s success. Of the 594 athletes representing the United States, 121 hailed from California—more than from any other state.

As the Olympians returned, Mayor Bass proudly carried the official Olympic flag back to Los Angeles, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be hosted in the city.

Governor Newsom expressed his pride and excitement: “The Olympics and Paralympics are coming to Los Angeles in 2028, and California couldn’t be more excited. These Games are an opportunity to show the best of our state, and our nation. We look forward to highlighting not only the majesty of California, but also our strength, integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance. It was an honor to meet Mayor Bass, Olympic staff, and our incredible Olympians on their return to the United States—as champions.”

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom echoed these sentiments, particularly highlighting the achievements of female athletes: “Congratulations and welcome home, Team USA! We were so proud to watch such an amazing display of talent and sportsmanship, and especially inspired by the incredible female athletes who were the driving force behind Team USA’s dominating performance in the 2024 Olympics! Hats off as well to California’s Olympians! We’re thrilled that the torch has been passed from Paris to Los Angeles, and looking forward to hosting the 2028 Olympics in the great state of California.”

The 2024 Paralympic Games are set to begin in Paris on August 28, continuing the celebration of athletic excellence.

In a show of ongoing support for athletes, Governor Newsom signed AB 2747 in October 2022, which provides in-state tuition eligibility for U.S. Olympians and Paralympians training in California. This initiative began in January 2023, further cementing California’s commitment to supporting its athletes.

As Los Angeles gears up for the 2028 Games, the city and state are ready to showcase the best of California to the world.