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The female 100m title race will headline the first day of competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as part of planners' strategies to “start with excitement”.

The unanticipated choice, that means each heat of the 100m being held on the identical date, was praised by US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who commented that it indicated “the sport is enjoying a resurgence”.

The UK’s Dina Asher-Smith also backed the change for the Olympics, set 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 runners typically run a maximum of twice a day, World Athletics confirmed it had consulted widely with athletes to make certain they were on board 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.’”

World Athletics clarified it had intentionally designed the schedule to enable as many competitors as possible to “compete in multiple events”, not only in events like 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 competition at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay premiering, as well as 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 schedule renders it improbable that US sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone can participate in the 400m and the 400 hurdles, given the hurdles semifinals and the 400m final occur simultaneously.

Swimming has traditionally kicked off the Summer Games. But as it is taking place in SoFi Stadium, where the inaugural event, it begins in the following week.

Organisers additionally announced that the first day will include the most women’s finals ever in a single day in Games’ history, with the women’s triathlon gold medal among those up for grabs. Additionally, they planned a action-packed Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 gold medals across 23 disciplines available.

Shana Ferguson, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, noted the aim is to offer approximately 14 million tickets across 51 Olympic sports at 49 locations, with public sales due to begin in April 2026. Officials added that organisers would not employ the controversial variable pricing strategy that sparked criticism among Oasis fans recently and was trialled by Fifa at football’s Club World Cup in the United States.