In a striking turn of events for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the art of breaking fails to secure a spot on the Olympic stage, while the future of boxing hangs in the balance amid governance issues. The decision to exclude breaking, a dance form born in New York City, has left fans and enthusiasts disappointed, especially due to its American roots. Meanwhile, concerns surround the fate of one of the Olympics' oldest and most cherished sports, boxing, as the International Boxing Association struggles with its international standing.

Witnessing the exhilarating action in Paris, husband and wife duo Eric Quinlan and Alison Palaia expressed their dismay over breaking not making the cut for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Palaia, a 48-year-old artist, commented on the vibrant energy and camaraderie among the athletes, highlighting the theatricality of their performances and the heartwarming exchanges of hugs and laughter. With breaking having its roots in the United States, the exclusion comes as a significant blow to the local community.

Alongside breaking, boxing also faces an uncertain future in the Olympics. The disarray within the International Boxing Association, controlled by Russia, has led to its isolation from the world sports community. As a result, a new world governing body, named World Boxing, must rally national boxing federations' support in order to fill the void left by the currently contentious association. This uncertain landscape has cast a shadow of doubt over boxing's continued presence in the Olympic program.

While Paris 2024 served as a spectacular display for boxing, with capacity crowds gathering at the iconic Roland-Garros Stadium for thrilling medal bouts, the potential exclusion of the sport in future games raises concerns. World Boxing President Boris Van Der Vorst voiced his thoughts, stating that losing boxing from the Olympic program would be devastating for the sport worldwide. The president emphasized the passion, energy, and emotional investment seen during the tournament and called on the Olympic committee to preserve this pinnacle for boxers.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, transportation emerges as a potential challenge. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass aims for a "no-car Games," despite the lack of direct rail service to the airport and current distance between key venues and rail networks, including SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. To address this, the mayor proposes a transportation plan consisting of a fleet of 3,000 buses and encouraging work-from-home schedules to ease traffic congestion. While past predictions of traffic chaos during the 1984 Olympics in L.A. did not materialize, concerns persist regarding the impact of Southern California's freeways come four summer from now.

With the ambition to bring back lacrosse, cricket, baseball, and softball, alongside welcoming flag football and squash for their first-ever Olympic appearance, the Paris 2024 Games promise to be an exciting international spectacle. Nonetheless, the absence of breaking and the potential jeopardy faced by boxing underscore the challenges and decisions that lie ahead for the Olympic movement.