The excitement surrounding Africa’s Olympic aspirations for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles has reached a new level with the announcement of a groundbreaking docu-reality series titled “The Road to LA 28: The African Olympians.” This ambitious project was officially unveiled at the International Salon for Audiovisual Content (SICA) in Ivory Coast, showcasing the journey of athletes from seven African nations as they strive to qualify and compete on the world stage.
Produced by Emmy-winning South African producer Dan Jawitz and former head of SuperSport Gary Rathbone, the series is set to feature twelve 24-minute episodes that will follow the emotional and physical journeys of Olympic medalists and rising hopefuls across a diverse range of sports. From well-established disciplines like long-distance running, boxing, swimming, and football to emerging sports such as taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, and rugby, viewers will get an intimate look at the dedication and perseverance of these athletes.
In addition to the main series, two one-hour specials are planned to capture the athletes’ Olympic experiences and their return home after the 2028 Games. The initial lineup includes athletes from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya, with the possibility of more nations joining the roster.
Rathbone highlighted Ivory Coast’s strong sporting tradition and success as Olympic medal winners, making it a key player in the series. The choice to launch the show at SICA in Abidjan was strategic, as it allowed the producers to connect with broadcasters and organizations interested in supporting the project.
The team behind “The Road to LA 28” has already engaged in discussions with major broadcasters such as Canal+ International, SABC, RTI (CĆ“te dāIvoire), RTS (Senegal), KBC (Kenya), ZBC (Zimbabwe), and Max TV (Ghana). They are also in talks with the African Union of Broadcasting to ensure widespread distribution across the network’s 40+ member countries.
As the project gains momentum and secures partnerships, the spotlight on Africa’s Olympic journey continues to shine brighter. With a focus on storytelling and celebrating the achievements of African athletes, “The Road to LA 28: The African Olympians” promises to be a captivating and inspiring series for audiences around the world.
