World Athletics has introduced tougher entry standards for several track and field events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, raising the performance requirements for sprinters and middle-distance runners. The revised marks include faster qualifying times in the men’s and women’s 100m and 1,500m, making Olympic qualification more demanding for athletes targeting LA28.
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Meeting the required standard will not automatically guarantee an Olympic place. World Athletics has confirmed that when more athletes achieve the entry mark than the available quota allows, qualification places will be awarded according to the best performances recorded during the qualification period.
The governing body has also outlined different qualification windows across athletics disciplines, with marathon runners beginning their qualification campaign on November 1, 2026. The revised entry requirements introduce faster qualifying marks in both the men’s and women’s 100m events.
The men’s 100m standard has been reduced from 10.00 seconds to 9.93 seconds. For women, the required time has changed from 11.07 seconds to 10.96 seconds. These adjustments mean athletes must record faster times to meet the direct entry standard for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic athletics competition.
Men’s and Women’s 1,500m Qualification Standards Become Tougher
The changes also affect middle-distance runners, with the 1,500m requirements becoming more demanding for both categories. The revised standards also increase the performance requirements in the men’s and women’s 1,500m. The men’s qualifying mark has moved from 3:33.50 to 3:30.00, while the women’s standard has changed from 4:02.50 to 3:57.50.
These faster targets add further pressure on middle-distance athletes preparing for the next Olympic cycle. Runners will need to achieve the revised marks during the qualification period while competing for a limited number of available Olympic places.
The changes across sprint and middle-distance events reflect the more demanding entry requirements for athletes hoping to compete in Los Angeles. World Athletics has clarified that achieving the required entry time alone does not automatically secure an Olympic berth.
The number of available places in each event remains an important part of the qualification process. When the number of athletes meeting the entry standard exceeds the available quota, the places will go to competitors with the best performances during the qualification period. World Athletics also confirmed that, in this situation, no athletes will qualify through world rankings.
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LA28 Athletics Qualification Periods and Key Dates
This distinction is important for athletes who achieve the required marks but still face competition for a limited number of Olympic places. Meeting the standard is therefore only one part of the qualification process. World Athletics has established different qualification windows depending on the athletics discipline.
Marathon runners will have the earliest specified qualification period. The marathon qualification window will run from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028. For the 10,000m, combined events, race walks and relays, the qualification window will open on December 19, 2026.
All other athletics events will have a qualification period running from June 19, 2027, to June 18, 2028. The different timelines mean athletes across disciplines will begin their Olympic qualification campaigns at different stages. Competitors will need to record their performances within the applicable qualification period to be considered under the entry requirements.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to Host LA28 Athletics Competition
The athletics programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is scheduled to take place from July 15 to July 30, 2028. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will host the primary track and field programme, bringing the Olympic athletics competitions to one of the city’s major sporting venues.
With the revised entry standards and qualification windows now outlined, athletes have clearer performance targets and timelines as they prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Sprinters and middle-distance runners will need to meet the times, while competitors in other disciplines must record their performances within the qualification period.
However, achieving the entry standard will not automatically guarantee an Olympic place when more athletes qualify than there are available quota spots. The athletics competition is scheduled for July 15–30 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Tickettariffs.com will continue covering LA28 athletics developments, qualification updates and Olympic LA28 Tickets news as the Games approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the new men’s 100m qualification standards for LA28?
The men’s 100m entry standard has been reduced from 10.00 seconds to 9.93 seconds for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
2. What are the revised women’s 100m and 1,500m standards?
The women’s 100m standard has changed from 11.07 seconds to 10.96 seconds. In the 1,500m, the required time has been reduced from 4:02.50 to 3:57.50.
3. Does achieving the LA28 athletics entry standard guarantee qualification?
No. When more athletes meet the entry standard than there are available quota places, qualification will be awarded to those with the best performances during the qualification period. World Athletics has also stated that no athletes will qualify through world rankings in this situation.
4. When does the LA28 marathon qualification period begin?
The marathon qualification period begins on November 1, 2026, and runs until April 30, 2028.
5. When do the other athletics qualification windows open?
The qualification window for the 10,000m, combined events, race walks and relays opens on December 19, 2026. All other events have a qualification period from June 19, 2027, to June 18, 2028.
6. When and where will the LA28 Olympic athletics competitions take place?
The athletics competition is scheduled for July 15-30, 2028, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will host the primary track and field programme.
