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The female 100m title race is set to feature on the inaugural day of competition at the LA28 Olympic Games as part of organisers' strategies to “start with excitement”.

The surprise decision, which will lead to every stage of the 100m taking place on the identical date, was praised by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who commented that it demonstrated “athletics is stepping into the spotlight”.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith endorsed the change for the Games, set from July 15th to 30th. “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.

While sprinters usually run a maximum of twice a day, the sport’s governing body stated it had sought input broadly with athletes to guarantee they were on board the arrangement.

“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.’”

World Athletics explained it had deliberately arranged the program to enable as many competitors as possible to “double up”, not only in events like the sprints but additionally the 800m and 1500m and the 1500m and 5,000m. Officials confirmed that there would be 10 days’ worth of events at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay making its debut, as well as three days of road events 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.”

Nonetheless, the schedule makes it unlikely that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone can run in both the 400m and the 400 hurdles, given the hurdles semifinals and the 400-meter championship fall on the identical date.

Swimming has traditionally kicked off the Olympics. However, since it is being held in SoFi Stadium, which hosts the inaugural event, it begins in the second week.

Officials also confirmed that day one will include the most women’s finals ever in a single day in Olympic history, with the female triathlon title one of the prizes available. They arranged a action-packed Saturday on the penultimate day, with 26 titles across 23 disciplines up for grabs.

An LA28 official, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, noted the aim is to distribute around 14,000,000 tickets across 51 Olympic sports at 49 locations, with public availability due to begin in spring 2026. Officials added that organisers will not use the controversial dynamic pricing model that provoked outrage among music enthusiasts in the summer and experimented with by Fifa at the Club World Cup in the United States.