Athletes targeting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games face a tougher qualification challenge after World Athletics unveiled new entry standards and revised qualification rules designed to ensure that only the strongest performers secure places at the global sporting event.
The qualification system, published on November 10, 2026, introduces a revised balance between automatic qualification through entry standards and selection through world rankings, giving athletes a narrower pathway to Olympic participation.
Under the new arrangement, approximately 40 per cent of available athletics places are expected to go to athletes who achieve the prescribed entry standards, while the remaining 60 per cent will be allocated through world rankings.
This represents a significant shift from the previous 50-50 qualification model used for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Tougher standards across track and field
The new entry requirements are more demanding across several disciplines, including sprinting, middle-distance running, marathon and field events.
For the men’s 100 metres, athletes must run 9.93 seconds, while women must achieve 10.96 seconds. The men’s 200 metres standard has been set at 19.95 seconds, compared with 22.25 seconds for women.
In the 400 metres, the qualifying marks are 44.40 seconds for men and 49.90 seconds for women.
Distance runners also face demanding targets. Men’s 5,000 metres athletes must achieve 12:50.00, while the women’s qualifying mark is 14:34.00.
The marathon standards have been raised to 2:05:00 for men and 2:22:20 for women, placing additional pressure on long-distance specialists preparing for Los Angeles.
Importantly, achieving the entry standard will not automatically guarantee an Olympic place. Where more athletes meet the required mark than there are available quota places, selection will favour those with the strongest performances during the qualification period.
When does qualification begin?
The qualification windows will differ depending on the discipline.
- Marathon: November 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028.
- 10,000 metres, combined events, race walks and relays: December 19, 2026, to June 18, 2028.
- All other athletics events: June 19, 2027, to June 18, 2028.
World Athletics will also introduce specific qualification opportunities through designated international competitions.
For relay teams, the first 14 national teams at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas on April 22–23, 2028, will automatically qualify, with remaining places determined through world rankings.
New events add excitement
The Los Angeles Games will feature 23 events for men and 23 for women, alongside two mixed relay competitions.
Notably, the mixed 4×100 metres relay will make its Olympic debut, joining the established mixed 4×400 metres relay.
The athletics competition will run from July 15 to 30, 2028, with events staged at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For athletes, the message is clear: preparation, consistency and competitive performances will be crucial. With qualification standards becoming more demanding, the road to Los Angeles promises to be fiercely competitive.
