Lacrosse in The Olympics

In October 2023 the International Olympic Committee approved the Sport of Lacrosse to be included in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

At that time, World Lacrosse President, Sue Redfern, was quoted as saying, “This is a momentous day for lacrosse enthusiasts around the world and a reason for our entire World Lacrosse family to celebrate.”

The push for lacrosse to make the summer Olympics gave rise to a new modified version of the game, World Lacrosse Sixes, where the on-field teams are reduced to six players. In announcing the change, World Lacrosse noted that ‘ the new discipline brings the sport “ within the 21st Century Olympic framework, where the IOC and Host Cities are working to reduce the cost and complexity of staging the Olympic Games.”

Lacrosse has appeared previously in the Olympics , commencing in 1904 in St Louis USA, in 1908 in London, in 1928 in Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles, and 1948 in London. Australia was not represented in any of these appearances.

Notwithstanding, it is worth noting that the Australian Men’s Lacrosse team came in second place to the USA in the Inaugural Mens World Lacrosse Championships in Toronto 1967 beating both Canada and England, Australia repeated the feat in Melbourne in 1974.

The Australian Womens Team have actually won two World Championships, the first in 1985 and the second in 2005, beating USA, Canada, and England.

The prospects for a medal for Australia should Lacrosse once again be selected as an Olympic Sport, are clearly excellent.

In July 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it would grant Full Recognition to World Lacrosse, the governing body of Lacrosse internationally, responsible for Men’s, Women’s and Indoor versions of the sport.

This represents a huge step forward for the sport in its quest to re- join the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

As a result World Lacrosse is on a mission to bring the sport to the Olympics by the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Given that the 2032 Olympics are scheduled for Brisbane, Australian lacrosseurs are eagerly anticipating the prospect of either playing, or watching our players compete for gold in Brisbane.

Lacrosse Sixes could be an olympic sport in 2028

Lacrosse Sixes is a shorter and faster-paced version of the sport designed specifically for Olympic and Commonwealth Games competition. It was launched around the World in 2021 and blends many of the traditional disciplines while introducing new elements that appeal to the next generation of athletes and fans. The major differences are smaller field, shorter game time, less stoppages, and the addition of a 30 second shot clock.

In addition to vying for inclusion in the Olympic Program starting in Los Angeles in 2028, it could also be included in the Commonwealth Games for Melbourne in 2026 should Lacrosse be admitted. It is intended to be the game of choice for Lacrosse in multi sport Championships of the future.

• Read more about Lacrosse Sixes (PDF download)

#LAX28 campaign

The following video is part of World Lacrosse's #LAX28 campaign to bring lacrosse to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

• Read more about #LAX28 (PDF download)