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This female 100m final will take center stage on the first day of events at the LA28 Olympic Games as part of planners' plans to “launch spectacularly”.

The unanticipated choice, which will lead to all three rounds of the 100m being held on the same day, was praised by US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who stated that it showed “athletics is stepping into the spotlight”.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith endorsed the adjustment for the Games, set 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 runners normally run a maximum of twice a day, the sport’s governing body confirmed it had consulted widely with competitors to guarantee 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.’”

World Athletics detailed it had deliberately arranged the program to allow as many competitors as possible to “double up”, not only in disciplines like the 100m and 200m but also 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 making its debut, along with 72 hours of road events 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.”

However, the line-up renders it improbable that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be able to compete in the 400m and the 400 hurdles, since the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400-meter championship occur simultaneously.

Swimming has historically kicked off the Olympics. However, since it is taking place in SoFi Stadium, where the opening ceremony, it commences in the second week.

Officials additionally announced that day one will showcase the highest number of female championship events ever in a 24-hour period in Games’ history, with the female triathlon title one of the prizes available. They have also scheduled a mega Saturday on the second-to-last day, with 26 first-place awards across 23 disciplines available.

An LA28 official, LA28’s chief of sport and games delivery, said the aim is to offer approximately 14,000,000 passes across 51 events at 49 locations, with general ticket sales scheduled to open in April 2026. Officials added that organisers will not use the disputed dynamic pricing model that provoked outrage among Oasis fans recently and tested by Fifa at the international club tournament in the United States.