American Athletes Will Relish LA Olympic ‘Home Games’, Says Felix

Olympian Allyson Felix talks during the Deep Blue Business of Women's Sport Summit at Chelsea Factory on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP)
Olympian Allyson Felix talks during the Deep Blue Business of Women's Sport Summit at Chelsea Factory on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP)
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American Athletes Will Relish LA Olympic ‘Home Games’, Says Felix

Olympian Allyson Felix talks during the Deep Blue Business of Women's Sport Summit at Chelsea Factory on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP)
Olympian Allyson Felix talks during the Deep Blue Business of Women's Sport Summit at Chelsea Factory on April 22, 2025 in New York City. (Getty Images/AFP)

American athletes at the Los Angeles Games in 2028 will have the rare opportunity to compete at an Olympics on home soil and those considering retirement may not be able to resist sticking around for the chance, Olympic legend Allyson Felix said.

Felix, the most decorated female track and field athlete of all time, has few regrets about an Olympic career that spanned five Games but said never getting the chance to lace up her spikes in the US is one.

"What I would have loved most is to have a home Games," Felix, an LA native and now an LA28 board member, told Reuters.

"We've worked really hard to bring the Games back to LA and more than anything, I'm excited the athletes have this opportunity to be on full display in America. That's huge.

"I'm excited for Angelinos and the rest of the world too. We get to welcome them in and they get to see the Games up close."

Gymnast Simone Biles said last week she had not yet decided whether to compete in what would be her fourth Games as she picked up her Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award in Madrid.

Seven-time Olympic champion Biles saw first-hand the passionate reception French gymnasts received every time they were announced at the Bercy Arena during last year's Paris Games and it remains to be seen if the prospect of hearing roars of "USA! USA!" will entice her to return.

Felix said that vision has undeniable appeal to all potential Team USA athletes.

"If you can stick around to be involved in some capacity, you can't pass that up," Felix said.

Felix was all smiles at a recent event with the Los Angeles Jets where she surprised members of the venerable youth track and field club with the children's snack food Danimals as part of a promotional campaign.

"The Jets are such a powerhouse and a staple in the community and looking at these kids it's interesting because beyond '28, they are going to be the ones who are out there," she said.

The mother of two has been a trailblazer for women in sports and said she saw glimpses of her younger self in the fresh-faced sprinters she lined up against.

"We did a little relay and they wanted to race me for real," said Felix, who won 11 Olympic medals including seven golds.

"I love to see that because yeah, you should!"



Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
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Reports: Liverpool Agree to Sign Frankfurt Striker Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike (L) is reportedly set to join Liverpool. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Liverpool have agreed to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth an initial £69 million ($92 million), according to reports on Monday.

The Premier League champions switched their focus to Ekitike following Newcastle's refusal to sell Sweden striker Alexander Isak, who is valued at around £150 million by the Magpies, AFP said.

Newcastle and Manchester United were also interested in Ekitike, but Liverpool look set to win the race for one of Europe's hottest young stars.

It is believed the Reds have agreed to pay a potential further £10 million in add-ons to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, whose overall price tag could reach £79 million.

Once the transfer is completed, Ekitike will link up with Arne Slot's side on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Ekitike scored 22 goals in 48 games in all competitions for Frankfurt last season after joining the Bundesliga club from Paris Saint-Germain.

He was an unused substitute during his side's pre-season friendly against FSV Frankfurt on Saturday, with Eintracht boss Dino Toppmoller admitting Ekitike's impending departure was "a bitter loss".

Liverpool have an opening in their forward line after Diogo Jota's recent death in a car crash in Spain.

The Reds are also believed to be willing to sell Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, while Colombia forward Luis Diaz has been the target of a rejected bid from Bayern Munich.

Liverpool have already splashed out £116 million on Germany playmaker Florian Wirtz, as well as signing defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively.

Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also linked up with Arne Slot's side since the end of last season after agreeing his move from Valencia in 2024.