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This women's 100m final is set to feature on the first day of competition at the LA28 Olympic Games as a key element in organisers' plans to “open with a bang”.

The unanticipated move, which will lead to all three rounds of the 100m taking place on the same day, was welcomed by US sprint star Sha’Carri Richardson, who commented that it indicated “track and field is having its moment”.

Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith endorsed the adjustment for the Games, set from July 15th to 30th. “What an inspiring moment – marking the sustained heritage, power, and international reach of female sprinters, precisely one hundred years after their Olympic debut,” she noted.

Although runners normally race no more than twice per day, the sport’s governing body confirmed it had engaged extensively with participants to make certain they supported 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.’”

The international federation explained it had deliberately arranged the program to allow as many competitors as possible to “enter more than one race”, not only in disciplines including the 100m and 200m but also the middle-distance runs and the longer track events. The organization stated there would be a decade’s worth of competition at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with a mixed 100m relay making its debut, 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.”

However, the line-up renders it improbable that US sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be able to participate in the 400-meter and 400-meter hurdles, since the hurdles semifinals and the 400m final occur simultaneously.

Swimming has historically started the Summer Games. But as it is occurring in the SoFi venue, where the opening ceremony, it begins in the following week.

Officials further stated that day one will include the highest number of female championship events ever in a 24-hour period in Olympic history, with the female triathlon title among those up for grabs. Additionally, they planned a mega Saturday on the second-to-last day, with 26 gold medals across 23 sports at stake.

Shana Ferguson, the head of sport and games delivery for LA28, explained the goal is to sell about 14 million tickets across 51 Olympic sports at 49 locations, with general ticket sales due to begin in spring 2026. It was also confirmed that organisers are avoiding the controversial dynamic pricing model that caused anger among Oasis fans in the summer and tested by the football governing body at the international club tournament in the US.