In what is being described as one of the most daring scheduling changes in Olympic track and field history, World Athletics has officially announced that all four rounds of the women’s 100m event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) will be held on the same day. This unprecedented decision has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, sparking heated debates among athletes, coaches, and fans around the world.
Traditionally, the women’s 100m event has been spread over two or even three days to allow sprinters adequate time for recovery between rounds. However, World Athletics’ new format will see Preliminary Rounds, Heats, Semifinals, and the Final compressed into a single, action-packed day of competition. The move is part of an effort to create a more dynamic, television-friendly experience for global audiences — but not everyone is convinced it’s the right call.
According to insiders at World Athletics, the decision was made after months of consultation with event planners, broadcasters, and athlete representatives. Officials believe the condensed schedule will heighten excitement and keep viewers fully engaged throughout the day. “The women’s 100m is one of the most-watched events at every Olympic Games,” said a spokesperson. “Bringing all the rounds into a single day adds intensity, suspense, and drama — it will be a sprinting spectacle like never before.”
While fans may be thrilled at the prospect of witnessing such a dramatic one-day showdown, athletes and coaches are expressing serious concerns. Many believe the physical and mental toll could be overwhelming, even for elite sprinters. Running four high-intensity races in less than 24 hours demands not only world-class conditioning but also flawless recovery strategies. Some have described it as “a test of survival as much as speed.”
Veteran sprinters have already voiced their skepticism. Several top contenders have noted that fatigue could drastically influence the outcome, favoring those with superior endurance rather than pure explosive speed. “The 100m is about perfection — reaction time, stride frequency, power. Doing that four times in one day is brutal,” one athlete commented anonymously. “It could lead to more injuries and unpredictable results.”
On the flip side, others see this change as a challenge that could redefine sprinting greatness. The ability to maintain top performance through multiple rounds in a single day may distinguish the truly exceptional athletes from the rest. The new format could produce historic moments — perhaps even legendary displays of dominance similar to Florence Griffith Joyner’s 1988 record run or Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s back-to-back Olympic titles.
From a logistical standpoint, LA28 organizers are already working to ensure the schedule accommodates optimal recovery windows between rounds. Reports suggest that there will be three to four-hour breaks between each phase, allowing athletes to rehydrate, refuel, and reset mentally. State-of-the-art recovery facilities and cooling stations will also be made available within the athletes’ village.
As excitement builds toward the 2028 Games, this bold experiment by World Athletics could reshape how sprint events are viewed and contested. Will it push human performance to new heights — or expose the limits of endurance in the shortest race on Earth? Either way, the world will be watching when the women’s 100m takes center stage for one electrifying day in Los Angeles.
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