Olympic Flag Lands in LA for 2028 Games Amid Hollywood Flair

The Olympic flag has arrived in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games, marking the city's third time hosting the event. The arrival was celebrated with hip-hop music and a Hollywood-style handover led by actor Tom Cruise. Mayor Karen Bass highlighted LA's unique assets and challenges ahead.

The Olympic flag landed in Los Angeles on Monday, ushering in the countdown to the 2028 Summer Games.

The flag arrived on a Delta Airlines jet adorned with "LA28" and palm trees, to the sound of Tupac Shakur's "California Love" playing at Los Angeles International Airport. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, in a red tracksuit, proudly waved the flag as she exited the plane, greeted by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Accompanying her were Olympic athletes including diver Delaney Schnell and skateboarder Tate Carew.

Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Games in 2017, marking the city's third time hosting. The city faces challenges, particularly homelessness, but Mayor Bass emphasized its unique global appeal: "We do have Hollywood, so I expect a lot of magical opportunities," she told Reuters in Paris.

The handover of the flag from Paris, the host of the 2024 Games, to Los Angeles included a dramatic touch from actor Tom Cruise. He rappelled down the roof of France's national stadium and transitioned to a video of him skydiving to the Hollywood sign, complete with the Olympic rings.

(With inputs from agencies.)