World Athletics Unveils Dual Qualification System for LA 2028 Olympics
World Athletics announces a dual qualification system for athletics events at the LA 2028 Olympics, detailing entry standards and qualification periods.
New Delhi, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : World Athletics has released the qualification system for athletics events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This framework outlines entry standards, qualification periods, and quota spots for participating athletes.
The athletics competitions will take place from July 15 to July 30, 2028. Approved by the World Athletics Council, the qualification structure will utilize a dual system. Forty percent of the available spots will be filled based on entry standards, while the remaining sixty percent will rely on world rankings.
A total of 48 events are scheduled, including 23 for men, 23 for women, and two mixed events. The mixed 4×100 meter relay will debut alongside the existing mixed 4×400 meter relay.
It is important to note that meeting the entry standard does not guarantee an Olympic spot. If the number of athletes achieving the required standard exceeds the available quota, only those with the best performances during the qualification period will secure a place. In such cases, additional athletes cannot qualify through world rankings.
Different events will have varying qualification windows. For the marathon, the period runs from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028. The qualification window for 10,000 meters, combined events, race walking, and relays will be open from December 19, 2026, to June 18, 2028. All other track and field events will have a qualification period starting June 19, 2027, and ending June 18, 2028.
Under the entry standards, the qualifying time for the men’s 100 meters is set at 9.93 seconds, while the women’s 100 meters requires a time of 10.96 seconds. The standards for the 200 meters are 19.95 seconds for men and 22.25 seconds for women. For the marathon, the men’s standard is 2:05:00, and women must achieve a time of 2:22:20.
Specific qualification rules also apply to road races and relay events. The top 56 athletes in the marathon qualification list by March 19, 2028, will qualify. Additionally, athletes finishing in the top 12 at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in China on April 9, 2028, will automatically qualify in half marathon and race walking events.
In relay events, the top 14 National Olympic Committees at the World Athletics Relay in the Bahamas on April 22 and 23, 2028, will secure their Olympic spots. Teams will have two opportunities to qualify at this event; if they do not succeed on the first day, they will have another chance the following day.
