Beach volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings is already looking ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she hopes to see the sport showcased in its birthplace of Santa Monica. With the 2024 Summer Games in Paris currently underway, Walsh Jennings is excited for the opportunity to compete on the iconic beaches of California.
Santa Monica has a rich history in beach volleyball, with the modern two-person team format originating in the city back in 1930. Walsh Jennings, a five-time Olympian and three-time gold medalist, believes that the sandy shores of Santa Monica are the perfect setting for the 2028 Games.
Partnering with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Walsh Jennings expressed her enthusiasm for the potential of Santa Monica hosting beach volleyball competitions during the Olympics. She highlighted the deep, clean sand and the city’s legacy as a training ground for some of the sport’s greatest athletes.
As preparations for the 2028 Olympics continue, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism President and CEO Misti Kerns is confident that the city will provide an ideal backdrop for sports enthusiasts and athletes alike. With a wide range of accommodations, dining options, and entertainment, Santa Monica is poised to welcome visitors from around the world.
For Walsh Jennings, the prospect of competing in Santa Monica brings back memories of training with her former partner Misty May-Treanor, with whom she won three consecutive gold medals. Despite the disappointment of not medaling in Paris, Walsh Jennings is optimistic about the future of American beach volleyball and the potential for success on home soil in 2028.
As the countdown to the 2028 Olympics begins, all eyes will be on Santa Monica as a potential host city for beach volleyball, a sport deeply rooted in the city’s history. With its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Santa Monica is poised to showcase the best of beach volleyball to the world in 2028.
