OFFIZIELL VERIFIZIERT
Deutscher Aquapony Verband e.V.
Mitglied des DOSB
DEMONSTRATION SPORT 2028
Following the successful Olympic debut in Paris 2024, Aquapony has been confirmed by the IOC as a demonstration sport for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This is a crucial step toward permanent inclusion in the Olympic program.
As a demonstration sport, Aquapony will be fully integrated into the Olympic schedule, receive official competition arenas, and be broadcast worldwide as part of the Olympic TV program. Medals will be awarded but won't count toward the official medal tally.
24
Nations
72
Athletes
3
Disciplines
7
Competition Days
LA Aquatics Center, Los Angeles, California
Outdoor arena with 8,000 spectator seats
COMPETITION PROGRAM LA 2028
Opening Ceremony & Draw
Official ceremony at the LA Aquatics Center. Draw for starting groups.
Technical Inspection
Veterinary check of all ponies, equipment inspection, and arena walkthrough.
Individual Qualification
24 nations start in 3 groups. The top 12 qualify for the semi-final.
Individual Semi-Final
12 athletes compete for 8 final spots. Freestyle and technique scores combined.
Individual Final
The top 8 compete in the grand final. Decision for gold, silver, and bronze.
Team Competition
16 teams (3 athletes each) in knockout format. Final in the evening under floodlights.
Freestyle Final
The crown discipline: freely choreographed performances with music. Closing event.
WHO GOES TO LOS ANGELES?
Continental Qualification
Each continent receives fixed starting spots: Europe (8), Asia (4), Americas (4), Africa (2), Oceania (2). Allocated through the 2027 continental championships.
World Ranking
The top 4 of the FEI Aquapony World Ranking (as of December 31, 2027) automatically receive a starting spot, regardless of continent.
Host Nation
The USA receives 2 additional starting spots as host country for both the individual and team competitions.
Minimum Requirements
Each athlete must have completed at least 3 international FEI tournaments in the last 24 months and demonstrate a minimum score of 75.0.
As reigning Olympic champion (Paris 2024) and with their current world ranking position, Germany already has strong chances for direct qualification. The national team is preparing intensively at all three training locations.
THE TEAM ON LA 2028
"Los Angeles 2028 is our next big goal. After gold in Paris, we want to prove that Aquapony permanently belongs in the Olympic program. Preparations are in full swing – we're ready for the biggest stage in sports."
Head Coach & Athlete
"As a demonstration sport, we have a unique opportunity to convince the world of Aquapony. Every training session brings us closer to that goal. The energy in the team is incredible – we're burning for LA."
Team Captain
"Paris showed what's possible. In Los Angeles, we want to take it up another notch. The conditions in California with the outdoor arenas will be spectacular – that's what I'm most excited about."
Athlete
"Being able to compete at the Olympics at 21 is a dream. I train every day for it and I'm convinced that our team can make history in LA. Aquapony deserves to become Olympic."
Athlete
Follow the German team's journey to Los Angeles 2028.