This week, the world will come together for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. There are 21 Californians representing Team USA in the Olympics and Paralympics in 2026. California has a long history of hosting the Olympics. Here’s a look at the impact those games made:1932 Summer OlympicsIn 1932, Los Angeles hosted its first Summer Olympics; 1,334 athletes competed in the 10th Olympiad.For the first time in Olympic history, winners would stand on the podium with the flag of their home country being raised, the International Olympic Committee said. American Helene Madison swept her three events in the 1932 Olympics. She helped Team USA win the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. This was the only Olympics Madison ever competed in.The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics left a lasting impact on future games. In the 10 Games before Los Angeles, no Summer Olympics had been shorter than 79 days. Organizers cut the Games to just 16 days, the International Olympic Committee said. It has remained between 15 and 18 days ever since.1960 Winter OlympicsThe 1960 Winter Olympics were hosted in Olympic Valley, the home of Palisades Tahoe.Men’s biathlon and women’s speed skating made their Olympic debuts. A key sport was missing from the 1960 Winter Olympics — bobsled. The International Olympic Committee said the organizing committee refused to build a bobsleigh run because only nine countries were taking part. The 1960 Olympics are the only games where bobsled was not included in the Olympic program.1984 Summer OlympicsLos Angeles held its second Olympics in the summer of 1984. The International Olympic Committee said Los Angeles was the only city to bid for the right to host the Games. The 1976 Olympics had major financial programs. Los Angeles’ bid was criticized for relying heavily on existing facilities and corporate sponsors. However, the Games were able to make a $223 million profit. It became the strategy for future host cities.Three sports made their Olympic debut: women’s marathon, synchronized swimming and women’s cycling road race.Joan Benoit won the first-ever women’s marathon. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum said Benoit won the U.S. Olympic trial 17 days after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on her knee. The IOC said Benoit took the lead after 14 minutes and won the race by 400 meters.2028 Summer OlympicsLos Angeles will host its third Summer Olympics in two years. Flag football and squash will make their Olympic debuts. Three sports will be returning to the Olympic program: baseball/softball, cricket and lacrosse.The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin Friday, Feb. 6.This story was produced for “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.
This week, the world will come together for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. There are 21 Californians representing Team USA in the Olympics and Paralympics in 2026.
California has a long history of hosting the Olympics. Here’s a look at the impact those games made:
In 1932, Los Angeles hosted its first Summer Olympics; 1,334 athletes competed in the 10th Olympiad.
For the first time in Olympic history, winners would stand on the podium with the flag of their home country being raised, the International Olympic Committee said.
American Helene Madison swept her three events in the 1932 Olympics. She helped Team USA win the 4×100-meter freestyle relay. This was the only Olympics Madison ever competed in.
The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics left a lasting impact on future games. In the 10 Games before Los Angeles, no Summer Olympics had been shorter than 79 days. Organizers cut the Games to just 16 days, the International Olympic Committee said. It has remained between 15 and 18 days ever since.
The 1960 Winter Olympics were hosted in Olympic Valley, the home of Palisades Tahoe.
Men’s biathlon and women’s speed skating made their Olympic debuts.
A key sport was missing from the 1960 Winter Olympics — bobsled. The International Olympic Committee said the organizing committee refused to build a bobsleigh run because only nine countries were taking part. The 1960 Olympics are the only games where bobsled was not included in the Olympic program.
Los Angeles held its second Olympics in the summer of 1984. The International Olympic Committee said Los Angeles was the only city to bid for the right to host the Games. The 1976 Olympics had major financial programs.
Los Angeles’ bid was criticized for relying heavily on existing facilities and corporate sponsors. However, the Games were able to make a $223 million profit. It became the strategy for future host cities.
Three sports made their Olympic debut: women’s marathon, synchronized swimming and women’s cycling road race.
Joan Benoit won the first-ever women’s marathon. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum said Benoit won the U.S. Olympic trial 17 days after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on her knee. The IOC said Benoit took the lead after 14 minutes and won the race by 400 meters.
Los Angeles will host its third Summer Olympics in two years.
Flag football and squash will make their Olympic debuts. Three sports will be returning to the Olympic program: baseball/softball, cricket and lacrosse.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin Friday, Feb. 6.
This story was produced for “California Politics 360.” Get informed each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on KCRA 3.