🔗 Share this article

The women's 100m final is set to feature on the inaugural day of events at the LA28 Olympic Games as part of organisers' strategies to “launch spectacularly”.

The surprise decision, that means all three rounds of the 100m taking place on the same day, was welcomed by US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who remarked 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. “It’s such an exciting opportunity – celebrating the enduring legacy, strength and global power of women’s sprinting, exactly 100 years on from the first time women competed in Olympic track and field,” she added.

While sprinters usually compete up to two times daily, the sport’s governing body announced it had engaged extensively with athletes to make certain they supported the plan.

“Being the standout competition on day one in the legendary LA Memorial Coliseum – as we described it to the athletes, enthusiasm grew,” shared Janet Evans, the chief athlete officer. “Many runners responded: ‘Just notify me. Tell me ahead of time, and I’ll train to complete three 100m races in one day.’”

The international federation clarified it had intentionally designed the schedule to allow as many competitors as possible to “double up”, not only in disciplines such as the sprints but additionally the middle-distance runs and the 1500m and 5,000m. Officials confirmed that there would be a decade’s worth of events at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay being introduced, plus three days of street competitions at the conclusion of the Games.

“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 suggests it’s doubtful that US sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be able to compete in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, given the hurdles semifinals and the 400m final fall on the identical date.

Swimming has customarily kicked off the Olympics. Yet because it is occurring in the SoFi venue, which hosts the inaugural event, it begins in the second week.

Officials also confirmed that the first day will include the most women’s finals ever in a 24-hour period in Games’ history, with the female triathlon title among those up for grabs. Additionally, they planned a Super Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 titles across 23 sports up for grabs.

An LA28 official, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, explained the aim is to offer approximately 14 million tickets across 51 events at 49 sites, with general ticket sales scheduled to open in April 2026. It was also confirmed that organisers would not employ the controversial variable pricing strategy that provoked outrage among Oasis fans this past summer and tested by the football governing body at football’s Club World Cup in the US.