Спрингфилд может принять эстафету олимпийского огня перед Играми 2028 года

Springfield could host Olympic torch relay ahead of 2028 LA Games SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Springfield could become part of the route for the Olympic torch relay ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Olympic organizers want to show the “heart and soul of America” and have selected Springfield, known as the Queen City of the Ozarks, to help do that. Ned Reynolds, longtime KY3 Sports Director and a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, carried the Olympic torch in 1996. He said nothing compares to the experience of the torch relay. “Guys, I want you to know something. Ned Reynolds, at age 54 years of age, is scared to death,” Reynolds said. Reynolds ran a three-quarter-mile route that started in St. Genevieve. “It is a special honor for that particular city. Not every city has it. And it’s a particular route that the Olympic folks and the network choose to run it. So, it’s very narrow, the whole route is. So yes, I would certainly hope this city gets it because it is a big plus to the Ozarks and to us here at KY3,” Reynolds said. Sean FitzGibbons, Executive Director of the History Museum on the Square, said the opportunity would be significant for Springfield’s history if the city accepts an agreement to join the torch route. “It connects our community with the international community and, you know, it’s going to have a national, international spotlight right on Springfield, the Ozarks, or Missouri. And so, I mean, just imagine all the kids saying 30 years from now, I remember when that torch came through,” FitzGibbons said. The city still needs to vote on whether to accept the agreement, along with its terms and conditions. Those terms include the city being responsible for helping plan the route, providing security and managing traffic, all without charging Olympic organizers. The city will also get to handpick the torchbearers. The exact route has not been released. The city has until Sept. 8 to officially sign the agreement. To report a correction or typo, please email [email protected]. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email. Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.