The race to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is officially taking shape, with World Athletics unveiling the qualification system that will determine which athletes make it to the global sporting showpiece.
Approved by the World Athletics Council, the new framework introduces a 40/60 qualification split, with approximately 40 per cent of athletes expected to secure places through entry standards and the remaining 60 per cent through world rankings.
Athletes will compete across 48 events, comprising 23 men’s and 23 women’s disciplines, alongside two mixed relays. The mixed 4x100m relay will make its Olympic debut, joining the mixed 4x400m relay.
However, hitting the qualifying mark will not automatically guarantee an Olympic ticket. Where the number of athletes achieving the standard exceeds the available quota, only the best performers within the qualification window will secure places.
The qualification journey began on November 1, 2026, for marathon runners, while other disciplines will open their qualification windows at different dates, with most events running from 19 June 2027 to 18 June 2028.
With the official Road To LA monitoring tool expected in the latter part of 2027, athletes and national federations now have a clearer picture of the standards and timelines required to earn their place.
Athletics competition at LA28 is scheduled for July 15–30, setting the stage for another thrilling Olympic showdown.