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The women's 100m final will take center stage on the opening day of competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as a key element in organisers' plans to “launch spectacularly”.

The unanticipated decision, resulting in every stage of the 100m taking place on the same day, was praised by US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who remarked that it indicated “the sport is enjoying a resurgence”.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith also backed the change 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.

Although sprinters typically race no more than twice per day, World Athletics confirmed it had sought input broadly with participants 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.’”

World Athletics explained it had carefully structured the program to enable as many athletes as possible to “compete in multiple events”, not just in events like the sprints but additionally the 800m and 1500m and the longer track events. Officials confirmed that there would be a decade’s worth of events at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay being introduced, plus 72 hours 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.”

Yet, the agenda makes it unlikely that US sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may compete in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, because the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400-meter championship occur simultaneously.

Aquatics has traditionally started the Olympics. But as it is being held in SoFi Stadium, which hosts the opening ceremony, it begins in the following week.

Officials additionally announced that the first day will include the most women’s finals ever in a 24-hour period in Olympic history, with the women’s triathlon gold medal among those up for grabs. They have also scheduled a mega Saturday on the second-to-last day, with 26 titles across 23 sports at stake.

Shana Ferguson, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, explained the aim is to offer approximately 14,000,000 passes across 51 events at 49 sites, with general ticket sales scheduled to open in spring 2026. Officials added that planners will not use the contentious flexible ticket pricing that provoked outrage among music enthusiasts this past summer and tested by the football governing body at football’s Club World Cup in the US.