California love: How Dr. Dre wants to qualify for the 2028 Olympics
Hip-hop icon and businessman Dr. Dre gave the world a flavour of Los Angeles at the closing ceremony for the Paris Games, performing some of his hit songs with friend Snoop Dogg.
The rap icon is synonymous with Los Angeles and is expected to play a big part at the Games in 2028 in some capacity. However, could that mean competing for Team USA?
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, CBC Sports reports, Dr. Dre revealed he would like to compete for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics. By the time the LA Olympics roll around, Dre will be 63 years old, limiting the sports he can compete in.
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Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Romell Young, said: "I'm trying to try out for the Olympics in 2028. I'm dead serious. I actually started playing around with archery in junior high."
Picture - Instagram @Bleacherreport
"I stopped for a while, and then my son bought me a setup. I don't remember whether it was for my birthday or Father's Day or something like that, so I have set it up in my backyard."
Archery returned to the Olympic program in 1972, and Paris 2024 saw 64 men and 64 women compete in individual, team, and mixed events.
If the rap and producing sensation is serious about qualifying, how can he do it? According to the US Archery website, Dre would need a valid USA Archery membership to register to compete in USAT Events and gain USAT points.
The rapper-turned-businessman would need to gain enough points at USAT events to compete at the World Archery Championships, the Pan Am Games, or additional continental qualifying for selection.
Athletes go through the US Olympic trials system, with USA Archery hosting multi-stage trials. The stage one Olympic Trials Qualification Event is open to anyone who officially registers for the event and meets the eligibility requirements in the Olympic Games Athlete Selection Procedures.
Dr. Dre has every right to be confident at the Olympic trials, saying: "I have it set up in my backyard, and I heard qualifying for the Olympics is 77 feet. I practice at 90."
If USA Archery has earned three Olympic quota spots in each division, the top three archers will go to the Olympics. If they've earned one, then the top archer goes through. Can the LA rap star compete for the USA in his hometown?
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