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The female 100m final will headline the inaugural day of competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as a key element in planners' plans to “launch spectacularly”.

The unanticipated move, that means every stage of the 100m occurring on the single day, received support by US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who stated that it indicated “track and field is having its moment”.

The UK’s Dina Asher-Smith endorsed the adjustment for the Games, scheduled 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.

While runners usually race no more than twice per day, World Athletics announced it had engaged extensively with participants to make certain they supported the arrangement.

“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 allow as many athletes as possible to “compete in multiple events”, not just in events like the sprints but additionally the middle-distance runs and the 1500m and 5,000m. Officials confirmed that there would be 10 days’ worth of competition at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay making its debut, along with three days of street competitions at the conclusion 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.”

Yet, the agenda makes it unlikely that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone can participate in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, since the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400-meter championship occur simultaneously.

Aquatics has historically kicked off the Summer Games. However, since it is being held in the SoFi venue, where the inaugural event, it begins in the following week.

Organisers further stated that day one will feature 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 action-packed Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 gold medals across 23 sports at stake.

An LA28 official, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, noted the plan is to distribute around 14,000,000 tickets across 51 disciplines at 49 locations, with public availability scheduled to open in April 2026. Ferguson also confirmed that planners are avoiding the contentious variable pricing strategy that provoked outrage among music enthusiasts recently and tested by the football governing body at the Club World Cup in the US.