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This female 100m final is set to feature on the inaugural day of competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as a key element in organisers' strategies to “start with excitement”.

The surprise move, that means every stage of the 100m occurring on the single day, received support by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who stated that it showed “athletics is stepping into the spotlight”.

The UK’s Dina Asher-Smith supported the change for the Games, scheduled 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 sprinters normally compete up to two times daily, World Athletics announced it had engaged extensively with participants 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.’”

The international federation clarified it had carefully structured the timetable to permit as many athletes as possible to “double up”, not just in disciplines including the sprints but additionally the middle-distance runs and the 1500m and 5,000m. Officials confirmed that there would be 10 days’ worth of events at the LA Coliseum, with a co-ed sprint relay premiering, as well as 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 line-up renders it improbable that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone can run in both the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, because the hurdles semifinals and the 400m final fall on the identical date.

Swimming has traditionally started the Summer Games. But as it is taking place in the SoFi venue, where the inaugural event, it commences in the second week.

Officials also confirmed that the first day will showcase the highest number of female championship events ever in a single day in Games’ history, with the women’s triathlon gold medal among those up for grabs. They arranged 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 plan is to sell about 14,000,000 tickets across 51 events at 49 sites, with general ticket sales due to begin in April 2026. It was also confirmed that organisers are avoiding the contentious variable pricing strategy that sparked criticism among Oasis fans this past summer and tested by Fifa at football’s Club World Cup in the US.