Kobe Bryant had a deep love for the Olympics, a passion that extended far beyond his two gold medals. Now, his legacy is being honored in a fitting tribute as new billboards featuring the iconic Black Mamba have been unveiled in Los Angeles, celebrating the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
“Kobe was the ultimate athlete,” said his widow, Vanessa Bryant, during the announcement of the LA28 emblem inspired by Kobe. “He took his role as an Olympian very seriously. He was so proud to represent our country, and he considered his two gold medals among his proudest professional accomplishments.”
Bryant’s Olympic achievements in 2008 and 2012 are a testament to his dedication and love for the games. After retiring from the NBA, Kobe became a passionate advocate for bringing the Olympics back to Los Angeles, a city he called home throughout his storied career with the Lakers.
“There’s so many icons that come from the city of Los Angeles,” Kobe once said, expressing his excitement about the possibility of the Olympics returning to the city. “That live in the city of Los Angeles in so many different fields that it makes complete sense to host the Olympics here. There’s so much you can do with the Olympic Games to elevate them to an even higher level and to tell the beautiful journey and story of these athletes.”
As we move closer to 2028, Kobe’s dream has become a reality. Downtown Los Angeles is undergoing a transformation, with the “Mamba Makeover” taking center stage as a symbol of Kobe’s lasting impact on the city and the world of sports.
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In conjunction with these new billboards, a tribute video from Vanessa Bryant further honors Kobe’s vision and legacy. “To have the Olympics here in a city where so many cultures are naturally represented would be a beautiful story to tell and a beautiful way to integrate the sport with the city,” Kobe once said.
Thanks to these Nike billboards and Vanessa’s continued advocacy, Kobe Bryant’s dream for Los Angeles to host the Olympics has indeed come true, ensuring that his spirit will be a guiding force as the world gathers in the city he loved in 2028.
