The women's 100m final will take center stage on the opening day of competition at the LA28 Olympics as part of planners' strategies to “launch spectacularly”.
The surprise choice, resulting in each heat of the 100m taking place on the same day, received support by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who commented that it indicated “the sport is enjoying a resurgence”.
The UK’s Dina Asher-Smith also backed the adjustment for the Games, set from 15-30 July. “This is a thrilling chance – honoring the lasting impact, resilience, and worldwide influence of women’s sprinting, a full century after women first entered Olympic athletics,” she continued.
Although sprinters normally run a maximum of twice a day, the sport’s governing body confirmed it had engaged extensively with competitors to ensure they were on board the decision.
“To be the pre-eminent event on the first night of competition in the historic LA Memorial Coliseum – when we presented it to the athletes that way, there was excitement,” said Janet Evans, the chief athlete officer for the Games. “A majority of athletes said to me: ‘Just let me know. Let me know early, and I’ll start training to run three 100s in one day.’”
The international federation clarified it had intentionally designed the program to permit as many competitors as possible to “enter more than one race”, not only in events such as the sprints but additionally the 800m and 1500m and the longer track events. The organization stated there would be 10 days’ worth of competition at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay premiering, along with 72 hours of street competitions at the end of the Olympics.
“We’ve developed a track and field schedule that kicks off spectacularly with female sprinters in the spotlight on the first day,” stated Seb Coe, World Athletics president. “This programme blends creativity with respect for customs, featuring the men’s marathon on the closing day.”
However, the line-up renders it improbable that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may compete in the 400m and the 400 hurdles, given the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400-meter championship occur simultaneously.
Swimming has customarily started the Summer Games. Yet because it is occurring in the SoFi venue, where the opening ceremony, it commences in the following week.
Officials also confirmed that the first day will showcase the highest number of female championship events ever in a 24-hour period in Olympic history, with the female triathlon title among those up for grabs. They have also scheduled a action-packed Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 gold medals across 23 disciplines up for grabs.
An LA28 official, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, said the plan is to offer approximately 14,000,000 tickets across 51 Olympic sports at 49 venues, with public availability scheduled to open in spring 2026. Officials added that planners are avoiding the controversial dynamic pricing model that caused anger among Oasis fans this past summer and tested by Fifa at the international club tournament in the United States.
