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The women's 100m final will take center stage on the first day of events at the LA28 Olympics as part of organisers' strategies to “start with excitement”.

The surprise choice, which will lead to every stage of the 100m being held on the single day, was praised by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who commented that it demonstrated “the sport is enjoying a resurgence”.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith supported 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.

Although sprinters normally race no more than twice per day, the sport’s governing body stated it had consulted widely with athletes to make certain they supported the decision.

“Hosting the premier event on the opening evening at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum – when we explained it to competitors, they were thrilled,” noted Janet Evans, the Games’ chief athlete officer. “Most athletes told me: ‘Simply inform me. Give me advance notice, and I’ll prepare to race three 100-meter events in a single day.’”

The international federation clarified it had intentionally designed the schedule to enable as many competitors as possible to “enter more than one race”, not only in events such as the sprints but additionally the middle-distance runs and the longer track events. Officials confirmed that there would be 10 days’ worth of events at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay being introduced, plus three days of street competitions at the conclusion of the Olympics.

“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 line-up suggests it’s doubtful that US sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be able to compete in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, because the hurdles semifinals and the 400m final are on the same day.

Swimming has historically initiated the Olympics. However, since it is being held in SoFi Stadium, which hosts the inaugural event, it commences in the second week.

Organisers further stated that the first day will include the most women’s finals ever in a single day in Olympic history, with the women’s triathlon gold medal one of the prizes available. They arranged a Super Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 first-place awards across 23 disciplines available.

An LA28 official, LA28’s chief of sport and games delivery, noted the plan is to sell about 14 million tickets across 51 Olympic sports at 49 locations, with public sales starting in spring 2026. Officials added that planners are avoiding the disputed dynamic pricing model that caused anger among music enthusiasts recently and was trialled by Fifa at the Club World Cup in the United States.