LA 2028 dream alive for Aussie boxers after landmark IOC decision

LA 2028 dream alive for Aussie boxers after landmark IOC decision

Australian boxers will have the chance to chase their dreams at the Los Angeles Olympic Games after a landmark decision from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ensured the sport will takes its place on the program for 2028.

The decision, handed down today at the IOC Session in Greece, gives Australian fighters certainty and focus as they try to capitalise on the superb performance in Paris that produced bronze medals for Caitlin Parker and Charlie Senior.

Boxing Australia is a member of World Boxing, the new governing body that was recently granted provisional recognition by the IOC. Only World Boxing member nations will be eligible for Olympic competition in 2028.

The boxing competition at the Paris 2024 Games was run by the IOC after it stripped the International Boxing Association of recognition in 2023 over its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance.

With the question marks that had been hanging over boxing’s immediate Olympic status now removed, athletes like Parker can set their sights on LA2028 as the sport goes from strength to strength domestically.

“The Olympic Games is the absolute pinnacle of our sport and there is no greater honour then to represent your country at the highest level,” Parker said.

“To have clarity around LA 2028 allows us to plan to the minute and build through major events like the World Boxing Championships and the Commonwealth Games in 2026.”

Boxing holds an important place in the Australian sporting landscape. It showcases athletes from an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds and cultures and has produced more indigenous Olympic athletes than any other sport (22).

“We know how powerful it is to be able to share our stories when the world is watching, which is why this decision means so much to so many of us,” said Callum Peters, a proud indigenous fighter who wore the green and gold in Paris.

“We have First Nations boxers, athletes with Pacific Nations heritage, Tina Rahimi who has been a trailblazer for Muslim women in our sport… it’s a snapshot of who we are as a country, and we are very proud to be part of that.”

Boxing Australia Chief Executive Officer Dinah Glykidis said she was elated for the athlete cohort and committed to working tirelessly to ensure they have everything they need to perform and make their way to the podium at international level.

“We are so proud of our team’s performance in Paris and this decision allows them – and our next group of budding champions – to set their sights on LA in just under four years,” Glykidis said.

“Our recently launched High Performance Strategy and the move to our own High Performance program means we can help our athletes Win Well and give them the support they need to be their very best when it counts.

“We are indebted to the International Olympic Committee, World Boxing and the LA 2028 Organising Committee for their tireless work in securing boxing’s Olympic status in Los Angeles.”

ENDS

For further information and interview requests, please contact media@boxing.org.au.