Get ready for an explosive start to the LA28 Olympic Games! The competition schedule has just been revealed, and it’s a game-changer for athletics enthusiasts. For the first time ever, athletics will be the heartbeat of the entire Olympic period, kicking off on day one and running through to the very last day.
The women’s 100m will take center stage on the opening day, Saturday, July 15, 2028, with all three rounds happening in one electrifying day. But here’s where it gets controversial… the men’s 10,000m and women’s shot put finals will also be part of this opening session. And this is the part most people miss: the men’s 100m final will be on day two, ensuring a thrilling start to the Games.
Athletics will be a 13-day spectacle, with in-stadium action at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum for the first 10 days, followed by road events on days 11, 12, and 13. The men’s marathon will be the grand finale, with medals presented during the closing ceremony.
The schedule is designed to maximize potential doubles, with finals in 17 of the 20 sessions. Stars like Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden could follow in the footsteps of Olympic legend Carl Lewis, achieving multiple victories. And for middle- and long-distance runners, the opportunity for doubles is a nod to past Olympic greats.
A new repechage format provides better recovery time for athletes, with at least 36 hours between round one and repechage in the 400m, and about 24 hours for the 800m and 1500m. The mixed 4x100m relay will also make its Olympic debut, adding to the excitement.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe emphasizes the collaboration behind this innovative schedule, which honors tradition while maximizing global interest. Sha’Carri Richardson, a World and Olympic gold medallist, is excited about the road to LA28, especially for women’s sprints, while Dina Asher-Smith, a World gold and Olympic silver medallist, sees the women’s 100m opening the Games as an exciting opportunity to celebrate the legacy and power of women’s sprinting.
Shana Ferguson, LA28 Chief of Sport and Games Delivery Officer, calls it “Olympic innovation at its best.” By collaborating with World Athletics and listening to athletes, they’ve created an unprecedented opening with the women’s 100m, showcasing the fastest women in the world on day one to inspire a global audience.
The LA 2028 Olympic Games will be a historic event, with more than 10,000 athletes from around 200 nations competing in 35 sports. Los Angeles will host the Olympics for the third time, following the 1932 and 1984 Games. Get ready for an unforgettable sporting experience!