Women's 100-meter Final Moved to First Day of LA28 Games in Program Rejig
This female 100m title race is set to feature on the first day of competition at the LA28 Olympics as a key element in organisers' plans to “open with a bang”.
The surprise decision, resulting in each heat of the 100m being held on the identical date, was welcomed by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who stated that it indicated “the sport is enjoying a resurgence”.
Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith also backed the switch for the Olympics, scheduled from July 15th to 30th. “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.
Although sprinters usually run a maximum of twice a day, the sport’s governing body confirmed it had engaged extensively with athletes to guarantee they supported the decision.
“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 detailed it had deliberately arranged the timetable to enable as many athletes as possible to “compete in multiple events”, not just in events such as the sprints but additionally the 800m and 1500m and the longer track events. The organization stated there would be a decade’s worth of events at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay being introduced, as well as three days of road events at the end of the Olympics.
“Our athletics agenda begins explosively as women’s speedsters lead the way on opening day,” commented Seb Coe, head of World Athletics. “It’s a timetable that merges novelty with heritage, concluding with the men’s marathon.”
However, the line-up makes it unlikely that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may compete in the 400m and the 400 hurdles, given the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400m final occur simultaneously.
Aquatics has customarily started the Olympics. However, since it is occurring in SoFi Stadium, which hosts the opening ceremony, it commences in the second week.
Organisers further stated that the first day will showcase the highest number of female championship events ever in a single day in Games’ history, with the women’s triathlon gold medal one of the prizes available. They arranged a mega Saturday on the second-to-last day, with 26 titles across 23 sports available.
Shana Ferguson, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, explained the goal is to offer approximately 14 million passes across 51 events at 49 venues, with public availability scheduled to open in April 2026. Ferguson also confirmed that planners are avoiding the contentious variable pricing strategy that sparked criticism among Oasis fans this past summer and was trialled by the football governing body at the international club tournament in the US.