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The female 100m final will take center stage on the first day of competition at the LA28 Olympic Games as a key element in planners' plans to “start with excitement”.

The unanticipated move, that means each heat of the 100m being held on the single day, was welcomed by American track athlete Sha’Carri Richardson, who remarked that it showed “athletics is stepping into the spotlight”.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith also backed the adjustment for the Olympics, 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 runners usually run a maximum of twice a day, World Athletics announced it had consulted widely with participants to make certain they were on board the decision.

“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 explained it had intentionally designed the program to enable as many competitors as possible to “enter more than one race”, not just in events such as the sprints but also the middle-distance runs and the 1500m and 5,000m. It said that there would be 10 days’ worth of competition at the LA Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay premiering, as well as three days of road events at the end of the Games.

“Our athletics agenda begins explosively as women’s speedsters lead the way on opening day,” commented Seb Coe, head of World Athletics. “It’s a timetable that merges novelty with heritage, concluding with the men’s marathon.”

Yet, the agenda suggests it’s doubtful that American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may participate in the 400m and the 400 hurdles, since the 400m hurdles semi-finals and the 400-meter championship are on the same day.

Aquatics has traditionally kicked off the Olympics. However, since it is taking place in SoFi Stadium, where the inaugural event, it commences in the second week.

Planners additionally announced that day one will showcase 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 second-to-last day, with 26 first-place awards across 23 disciplines up for grabs.

Shana Ferguson, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, said the aim is to sell about 14 million passes across 51 disciplines at 49 venues, with general ticket sales due to begin in spring 2026. Ferguson also confirmed that planners would not employ the contentious flexible ticket pricing that caused anger among music enthusiasts this past summer and was trialled by the football governing body at the international club tournament in the United States.