Inside the rise of flag football ahead of its Olympic debut

LA28 beckons for the world’s best flag football stars

In October 2023, flag football was added to the sports programme for the Olympic Games LA28, a landmark decision that immediately reshaped the sport’s ambitions, as well as the ambitions of its players.

For Nausicaa Dell’Orto, a leader in Italy’s squad, the thought of walking out with her “passionate” Italian team at an Olympic Games carries emotional weight. “I think I would look forward to having achieved a global dream of so many girls. You’re not only representing your country, but you’re representing all the girls who now can have a bigger dream in their sport.”

Flores views LA28 as a chance to spread the love of flag football. “Flag football can unite people,” she said, adding that the Olympics will give those unfamiliar with the game a chance to “experience the greatness of it” and join its growing global community. “I think the Olympics are gonna be that big moment for the people who are not involved yet in this sport to be part.”

That sense of inclusion runs through the entire squad, even for those still fighting for a place in the final line-up. Team USA’s Ashlea Klam admits the competition for spots will be intense, but she is determined to be there in some capacity. “I will be there whether I am on the roster or not, representing or supporting USA and all of flag football,” she said. For her, simply being part of the occasion would be a career highlight.

The anticipation is just as high in Great Britain’s camp, though for different reasons. Schecter is drawn to the wider Olympic experience, particularly the Athletes Village, where sports and cultures mix in a way unique to multi-sport events. She imagines sharing meals with athletes like Simone Biles and introducing newcomers to flag football’s “energy and vibe”.

“This is going to be infectious,” Schecter said in anticipation of LA28. “The energy, everybody who watches it, whether you know what’s happening or not, you’ll want to be a part of it.”

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