BERLIN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has described the athletics schedule for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as "a schedule that both innovates and honors tradition."
During an online roundtable Wednesday, Coe confirmed that the repechage system trialed in Paris 2024 will be retained and refined. He also announced that medal winners in Los Angeles will receive prize money.
The detailed schedule for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games was officially released on November 12, with athletics events moved forward in the calendar, which means medals will be awarded on the very first day of competition.
Explaining the change, Coe said it reflects collaboration between World Athletics, LA28, Olympic Broadcasting Services, IOC and NBC. "The athletics program will start with a bang, with women's sprints on Day One and men's sprints on Day Two to sustain global interest after the opening ceremony," he noted.
"It is a schedule that both innovates and honors tradition, with the men's marathon on the final day. Looking back at LA84, athletes can aspire to emulate Olympic legends and aim for the maximum number of potential doubles," he added.
British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith welcomed the decision, saying it will be an honor for the women's 100m to open the LA Games and celebrate 100 years of women's Olympic track and field. "I can't wait to set the tone for a thrilling and spectacular Games," she added.
According to Coe, insights from recent World Championships showed that audiences prefer rhythm and pace - fewer gaps, more finals.
"In LA, 17 of the 20 sessions will feature medal events. We're focusing on evening finals to create energy and excitement, similar to Tokyo's successful format. It keeps the audience engaged both in-stadium and on TV, especially given LA's time difference from Europe.
While the revamped schedule introduces innovation, it also preserves key Olympic traditions. The men's marathon will continue to be held on the final day, finishing inside the stadium, though the exact route is yet to be confirmed. The walking events may conclude elsewhere.
On the repechage system first used at the Paris Olympics, Coe said it will continue in an improved form.
"We'll continue but with adjustments. It provided more content and gave athletes a second chance to qualify, which audiences liked. It wasn't universally loved, but there is enough support to refine and improve it rather than drop it," he added. ■
