There's been lots of talk recently in Olympic circles regarding the sports program for Los Angeles 2028 and beyond. Between existing Olympic sports boxing, weightlifting, and modern pentathlon facing potential expulsion, if you will, and the invitation from LA28 to other select sports for consideration, there's been plenty to ponder.

​That LA28 invitation went to nine governing bodies: breaking (which is set for Paris 2024 inclusion), baseball & softball and karate (both of which were unfortunately dropped after Tokyo 2020), squash, flag football, lacrosse, cricket, kickboxing, and motorsports.

​The latter of that list - motorsports is a possible watershed moment on the Olympic program, as it was only in 2012 that the IOC removed from its charter reference to not including any sports where motorization was a key element. 

Flag football would seem a stretch to this rather traditionalist, but there has been world championship events since 2002, and a way for 'American football' to receive a foothold into the Games. But I never thought I'd see breaking in the Games, either. We'll see what develops after these nine sports make their cases later this month. Current guidelines call for an overall athlete cap of 10,500 plus a global youth appeal, limited operation complexity, and sustainable environmental impact.

I know, not every sport can (or should) be in the Games. But in the meantime, though, below are my thoughts on the top ten sports or sport disciplines that I'd like to see make it into a Summer Olympic program. Or at least brought back as a demonstration sport!

What do you think should be in the Games? Let me know in the comments.

And check out my thoughts on recommended new Winter Olympic sports, too.

We're inevitably, unfortunately, and finally at the cusp of the end of a tennis era, with the announcement from Serena Williams in Vogue of her impending retirement, or 'evolution', from the professional circuit.

Following her older sister Venus into pro tennis, Williams debuted on the WTA Tour in October 1995 and by 1999 was ranked in the top ten. She first reached the number one ranking in July of 2002, and will end her career as number three all-time in weeks at number one with 317, behind only fellow legends Steffi Graf (377) and Martina Navratilova (332). And probably the go-to highlight statistic of her career will be her 23 career Grand Slam singles titles, a mark frustratingly stuck at second all-time. (Note: she also has 14 Grand Slam doubles ​ titles.)

Her impact as a sports figure certainly has gone beyond the wins - Williams has been an inspiration and role model for tennis diversity and inclusion, of athleticism, of fashion, of business side hustles, and much more. Her presence has consistently cast a powerful impression in the tennis circuit, both in media and on the court.

Williams will also leave behind a remarkable legacy as a Team USA Olympian.

The conclusion of the UIPM Pentathlon World Championships this past weekend had me thinking of the sport and its future. Namely, will modern pentathlon stay 'modern pentathlon'? That's a key question these days, as the sport is under the gun to drastically reform - become more viewer-friendly, more accessible, more...well..."modern" in order to survive as an Olympic sport. How did it get here?

A multi-discipline pentathlon competition featured prominently in the Ancient Olympics. Inspired, Baron Pierre de Coubertin worked to create a 'modern' version to fit into his new modern Olympics. The sport made its Games debut at Stockholm 1912, and has featured in the Summer Games since. With its mix of fencing, swimming, show jumping, shooting, and running, legend has it that the sport was developed around the theme of a wayward soldier fighting his way through various challenges to return to his side of the battlefield. In fact, the majority of the earlier competitors were military men.

The first world championships were held in 1949, and today, the annual competition features events for individuals, teams, and relays for men and women, and a mixed gender relay. And it is a truly global sport, with over 90 national federations spanning all continental regions. These last championships featured ten medal-winning nations across seven event, and spanningEurope, Asia, Americas, and Africa.

Cut to Tokyo 2020, and the sport experienced perhaps its most prolific Olympic coverage yet. Unfortunately, that was thanks to dire (to say the least) problems in the women's equestrian portion. In more than one instance, horses - which are assigned blindly to athletes - balked at jumping at an unusual rate, creating havoc in the standings, images of horse abuse, tears from athletes,  and unwanted attention from PETA. This certainly was the catalyst for the Olympic powers-that-be to renew a demand to change.

I had the pleasure of attending Days 8 & 9 of the World Athletics Championships this past weekend, and I couldn't have been more delighted with that fact. Having the championships held in the United States for the first time, and in a convenient West Coast location meant an easy decision for me to attend - and thanks to a willing and supportive partner, off (we) went.

I had visited Eugene, Oregon once before - on a rather pass-by occasion years ago, but one in which I did manage to get a look at the hallowed track & field grounds of Hayward Field through a chain link fence. Obviously, this time around, I'd be sitting in the newly renovated stadium and getting an in-person look at the much discussed venue. And, of course, a good fan's view of some of the key action.

The annual ESPYS always make me cringe a little: what determines "the best athlete" across different sports and skills in a purely self-promotive event for ESPN is particularly curious. But, it exists, athletes attend, folks watch, and it's a definite thing now since its inception in 1993.

The awards officially recognize "the best players, teams and moments in the world of sports", and this year's award shows took place in Los Angeles tonight.

Check out screenshot images below for the Olympians on hand who took home an award (or two). And, further below is a list of all the Olympian winners and nominees.

All the night's winners are recapped at espn.com.