Paralympic swimmers are speaking out after the LA28 organising committee revealed that the 2028 Paralympic swimming events will be held at a different venue to the Olympic swimming.
For the first time in four decades, Paralympians and Olympians won’t be racing in the same pool.
The LA28 venue plan, announced in June, confirmed that Olympic swimming will take place at SoFi Stadium, while a temporary pool for the Paralympics will be set up on the Convention Centre Lot in Long Beach. This decision has left many athletes feeling sidelined.
Why are paralympic swimmers upset about the LA28 pool?
US Paralympic gold medallist Anastasia Pagonis took to Instagram to share her frustration, writing, “same pool, same respect”. She didn’t hold back on her concerns about what this means for the value of the Paralympic Games, adding, “Equality doesn’t end with a logo. The Olympics will be held in SoFi stadium, and the Paralympics will be held in a second-rate pool … in a parking lot, not even in Los Angeles”.
Two-time US Paralympian Martha Ruether also commented on the LA28 announcement, saying, “When it’s our turn to host we still can’t have equality.”
Australian swimmers have echoed these concerns. Ellie Cole, Australia’s most decorated Paralympic swimmer, described the decision as “extremely disappointing” in a social media post.
Up-and-coming Aussie Para swimmer and actor Knox Gibson told ABC Sport the move feels like a step backwards, saying it sends the message that “Paralympians were not worthy of the same recognition and platform”.
Why the change to pools for Paralympians in LA28?
The LA28 committee says the new venue plan is about creating the best experience for athletes and fans, with accessibility as a top priority.
“The Paralympic venue plan ensures that Los Angeles’ first-ever Paralympic Games will take place in incredible existing stadiums and arenas across the region while creating the best possible experience for athletes and fans across the 560 events with accessibility top of mind,” said LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover in a press release.
There’s also speculation that the NFL schedule at SoFi Stadium is a factor, as the temporary Olympic pool would need to be removed before the football season begins.
A step back for equality?
For decades, the push has been for Paralympians and Olympians to share the same venues, athlete villages, and facilities. Since 1988, the Games have been “a package deal”, per ABC, with both events held in the same city and using the same infrastructure. Many athletes see the LA28 decision as undoing years of progress.
While the International Paralympic Committee has approved the plan, the disappointment among athletes is clear. As Pagonis put it, “equality doesn’t end with a logo”. The conversation about true equality in sport is far from over.
Lead image: Instagram
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