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This women's 100m final is set to feature on the opening day of events at the LA28 Olympics as a key element in organisers' strategies to “launch spectacularly”.

The unanticipated move, resulting in all three rounds of the 100m taking place on the same day, was welcomed by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who stated that it demonstrated “the sport is enjoying a resurgence”.

The UK’s Dina Asher-Smith endorsed the adjustment for the Olympics, set from July 15th to 30th. “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.

Although runners usually compete up to two times daily, World Athletics stated it had sought input broadly with competitors to make certain they were on board 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.’”

World Athletics detailed it had deliberately arranged the schedule to enable as many competitors as possible to “double up”, not only in disciplines including the sprints but also the 800m and 1500m and the 1500m and 5,000m. It said that there would be a decade’s worth of competition at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay being introduced, as well as three days of road events at the conclusion of the Games.

“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.”

Nonetheless, the schedule makes it unlikely that US sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may run in both the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, given the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400-meter championship fall on the identical date.

Swimming has traditionally started the Olympics. Yet because it is occurring in SoFi Stadium, which hosts the inaugural event, it commences in the following week.

Planners further stated that the first day will showcase the most women’s finals ever in a 24-hour period in Games’ history, with the women’s triathlon gold medal among those up for grabs. They have also scheduled a Super Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 gold medals across 23 sports up for grabs.

Shana Ferguson, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, noted the aim is to distribute around 14 million passes across 51 events at 49 venues, with public availability due to begin in spring 2026. It was also confirmed that organisers are avoiding the contentious flexible ticket pricing that sparked criticism among music enthusiasts in the summer and was trialled by the football governing body at the Club World Cup in the US.