Cricket fans around the world are rejoicing as T20 cricket is set to be added to the Olympic programme in 2028. Team GB chief Mark England is hoping that cricket superstar Ben Stokes will still be playing and able to go for gold at the Los Angeles Olympics. England believes that the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics would “elevate” the entire Team GB squad.
While talks between Team GB and the ECB have yet to begin, England is eager to have England’s top Twenty20 players, including Stokes, represent their country at the Olympics. At 37 years old in 2028, Stokes would bring his wealth of experience to the team. England is excited about the prospect of the current T20 world champions competing alongside other British athletes, stating that their performance standards and pedigree would raise the bar for the entire team.
Cricket has not been part of the Olympics since 1900, but it made a successful appearance in last summer’s Commonwealth Games with a women’s T20 competition. The addition of cricket, along with other sports like squash, lacrosse, baseball/softball, and flag football, is seen as a fantastic move for the Olympic movement. England believes that these new sports will increase the number of women in the Great Britain Olympic team and provide exciting opportunities for kids to get active.
In other Olympic news, Team GB has announced the first athletes selected for next summer’s Olympics in Paris. Ten sailors were unveiled next to a Eurostar train at London St Pancras station. Team GB aims to have around 370 athletes overall and is confident in their ability to be a top five nation and the top European nation. With a strong team and a goal of over 60 medals, Team GB is ready to bring home the glory.
Among the first wave of sailors announced were Tokyo 2020 mixed Nacra 17 silver medallists John Gimson and Anna Burnet, who have an exciting journey ahead. The couple revealed that they are getting married a month after the Paris Olympics. Their relationship began in the build-up to Tokyo, and they believe that their strengths and weaknesses complement each other both on and off the water. A gold medal would be the perfect wedding present, but regardless of the result, they are looking forward to celebrating with their loved ones.
The inclusion of T20 cricket in the Olympics and the announcement of Team GB’s first athletes for Paris 2024 have brought a wave of excitement and anticipation for sports fans. The future looks bright for Team GB as they aim for greatness on the Olympic stage.
