Women’s 100m to Launch LA28, Athletics Spanning Entire Games

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will feature a historic athletics schedule, spanning the entire duration of the event. For the first time, athletics begins on the opening day and continues to the closing ceremony. The action kicks off on Saturday, July 15, 2028, with the women’s 100m event, along with finals for the men’s 10,000m and women’s shot put.

Schedule Overview

The athletics competition will take place from July 15 to July 30, 2028, over a span of 13 days. The first ten days, from July 15 to July 24, will be held at the renowned LA Memorial Coliseum. Following this, road events will occur on July 27, July 29, and July 30, culminating with the men’s marathon on the final day.

Key Events

• July 15, 2028: Women’s 100m, Men’s 10,000m, and Women’s Shot Put Finals.
• July 16, 2028: Men’s 100m Final.
• July 30, 2028: Men’s Marathon Final.

During the competition, finals will be held in 17 out of 20 sessions. The schedule is designed to support multiple event participation, commonly referred to as “doubles,” in track and field.

Highlights of the Athletics Program

• New repechage format providing up to 36 hours of recovery time in some events.
• Women’s 100m to open the Games, celebrating 100 years since women first competed in Olympic track and field.
• Men’s Marathon to close the Games, honoring Olympic tradition.
• Mixed 4x100m relay to debut between the 100m and 200m events.

Key Stakeholder Perspectives

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasized the collaborative effort behind this innovative programming. He highlighted the importance of showcasing women’s sprinting from day one, ensuring sustained global interest.

Track and field athletes have also expressed excitement. Olympic gold medallist Sha’Carri Richardson commented on the thrilling potential of the women’s sprints and the importance of setting personal goals. Dina Asher-Smith, a world gold and Olympic silver medallist, expressed her honor in participating in the historic opening of the women’s 100m event.

Conclusion

The LA28 Olympic Games are set from July 14 to 30, 2028, with over 10,000 athletes from approximately 200 nations participating. This edition marks Los Angeles’s third hosting, previously held in 1932 and 1984. With its unprecedented athletics schedule, the Games aim to offer a thrilling experience that inspires a global audience.