Paris, France
Mayor Bass-Karen-thank you for that kind introduction. And to you, Casey, and so many elected officials from across the United States, I'm grateful for everything that you've done to champion the LA 2028 Games. Because of you, the Olympic flame will shine brightly in our nation once again.
Ambassador Bauer-Denise-every day you show the world the best of who we are as Americans. Thank you for your leadership and your friendship.
And to Billie Jean King, it's wonderful to see you. You've always inspired us to chase down our dreams, on and off the court.
We have such phenomenal performers here. Ludovic, I know that your heart for music comes from your family-and through your trumpet, you've brought that spirit of family to the Olympics.
I'm also grateful to the Hip Hop 360 performers for electrifying us through dance-reminding us that the human body can be so fluid and precise at the same time.
Under the endless blue skies of Los Angeles, breakdancers glide on concrete plazas, surfers coast on crashing waves, and rollerbladers spin in skate parks by the beach.
It's a city where new generations of dreamers shape our culture in music studios and on movie sets.
A city where communities from around the world live side by side, their cuisines merge, and though the lines of culture blur, their identity as one city becomes brighter and more defined.
At the 2028 Games, Olympians and fans will see themselves reflected in Los Angeles.
Add to that our enduring American warmth, hospitality, and leadership. Not to mention experience-this will be LA's third time hosting the Olympic Games.
The last time Los Angeles hosted, in 1984, we saw the first Olympic marathon for women, the first athlete using a wheelchair to compete in the Olympics, the perfect 10s that earned gold medals in women's gymnastics-not to mention an up-and-coming athlete who'd just finished his last college season: Michael Jordan.
We've come a long way in four decades. And I'm grateful that the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee will push us even further in the next four years. For women. For Paralympic athletes. And for all the kids who will watch the Games, dart out to the backyard with a stopwatch, and see if they can run as fast as Gabby Thomas.
Planning the Olympics and Paralympics is not a solo sport. It takes lots of work to welcome 15 thousand athletes, prepare for millions more spectators, and outfit venues for more than 50 sports.
But with our phenomenal team, the LA Games will allow the world to unite and a generation of athletes to soar.
And six short years later, we'll gather around the snowy mountains of Utah for the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City! I'm so excited that millions of people will get the chance to experience its majesty through the Olympics. Congratulations to the SLC 34 Team for your hard work.
I've had the honor of leading the United States delegation to two Olympic Games-Tokyo and now Paris. I've watched Team USA win gold and experienced the unique ways that Japan and France opened their arms to the world.
We can't wait to extend that warm welcome in the United States.
For now, though, we're in a stunning place, surrounded by generous people. So let's savor the singular beauty of Paris. And let's celebrate not only the split-second victories and breakout stars, but the years of your effort and teamwork that made it all possible. Thank you, and God bless you.
