Lacrosse player Lyle Thompson in profile against a black background holding a blue lacrosse stick

The Iroquois’ quest to compete in Olympic lacrosse: ‘It’s more than a game to us.’

The Iroquois are fighting to play lacrosse, a sport they invented, at the 2028 Olympics. It could be a significant step forward in their long struggle for recognition.

Lyle Thompson, 28, is the star of the Iroquois Nationals and one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. But as lacrosse looks to become an Olympic sport, will he and his people be left behind?

Photograph by Kevin Liles, Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

Lyle Thompson, the 28-year-old lacrosse star some consider one of the greatest to play the game, has a request. Look beyond his blistering goals, behind-the-head passes, NCAA records, and Nike sponsorship. Forget about his three lacrosse-loving brothers who, like him, all play professionally. Instead, dig a little deeper. Think about the meaning of the two-foot braid that drapes down his back, a show of pride in his heritage. Then, Thompson insists, you might begin to understand the origins of his blood-boiling frustration.

“The story that’s always told is about winning,” Thompson says. “But I don’t want to be the most marketable player in lacrosse or in the Hall of Fame. I want to honor the game. I want people to understand

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