Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games: Athletics Qualification System Unveiled

World Athletics has released the qualification system for the athletics events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This comprehensive framework details the qualification windows, entry standards, and the dual pathway approach for athlete selection. With 23 events for both men and women, plus mixed relays, the system emphasizes performance and ranking. Key entry standards have been established for various events, and specific qualification periods have been set. This article delves into the intricacies of the qualification process, ensuring athletes are well-informed as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 23:36 IST

Overview of the Qualification System

On November 10, World Athletics announced the qualification framework for the athletics events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, scheduled from July 15 to 30, 2028. This system, approved by the World Athletics Council, outlines the qualification windows, the total number of spots available for each discipline, and the entry standards, as detailed in a press release.

Events and Qualification Pathways

The athletics program will feature 23 events for both men and women, along with two mixed events: the 4x100m mixed relay, which will debut at the Olympics, and the 4x400m mixed relay. The qualification process will follow a dual pathway approach, differing from the previous 50/50 model. Now, 40% of athletes are expected to qualify based on entry standards, while 60% will qualify through world rankings.

Entry Standards and Qualification Periods

If more athletes meet the entry standards than the available quota, only those with the best performances during the qualification period will qualify, meaning meeting the entry standard does not guarantee a spot. For the marathon, the qualification window is from November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028. For events like the 10,000m, combined events, race walks, and relays, the window is from December 19, 2026, to June 18, 2028, while all other events will have a qualification period from June 19, 2027, to June 18, 2028.

Detailed Entry Standards

The entry standards for various events include 9.93 seconds for men and 10.96 seconds for women in the 100m, 19.95 seconds and 22.25 seconds in the 200m, and 44.40 seconds and 49.90 seconds in the 400m. In middle and long-distance events, the standards are set at 1:43.00 and 1:57.00 for the 800m, 3:30.00 and 3:57.50 for the 1500m, and 12:50.00 and 14:34.00 for the 5000m.

Field Events and Additional Standards

For field events, the standards are 2.32m and 1.97m in high jump, 5.90m and 4.80m in pole vault, and 8.30m and 6.90m in long jump. The decathlon and heptathlon standards are set at 8,650 points and 6,550 points, respectively, while marathon standards are 2:05:00 for men and 2:22:20 for women.

Qualification Methodology

The entry standards were determined using data from the last four global championships, including the World Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games. The methodology factored in performance trends and anticipated improvements, particularly noting that marathon times tend to be faster in Olympic years.

Marathon and Race Walk Qualification

For the marathon, athletes ranked above the 56th position on the 'Road to LA' list by March 19, 2028, will qualify. The top five finishers at Platinum Label marathons during the qualification period will also be recognized as having met the entry standard. In race walks, the first 12 athletes at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Hefei, China, on April 9, 2028, will automatically qualify for the half marathon events.

Relay Qualification Process

For relay events, the first 14 national Olympic committees at the World Athletics Relays in The Bahamas on April 22-23, 2028, will secure automatic qualification for LA28. Teams will have two chances to qualify, with selections based on performance lists during the qualification period.