Track and field has long been one of the most anticipated sports in the Summer Olympics, drawing massive crowds and global TV audiences. But fans commonly ask, “When does track and field start in the Olympics?” The answer is more strategic than you might expect, as this highly structured event will span multiple days to accommodate the variety of races, jumps, and throws.
Whether you’re a casual viewer planning to tune in or a die-hard athletics fan following every heat and final, knowing the start dates is essential for organizing your Olympic viewing schedule. The Olympic calendar is dense, and track and field events don’t begin on Day 1. Instead, they typically start in the second week, building excitement toward the Games’ climax. In this article, we break down when track and field starts in the Olympics, why it’s scheduled this way, what events to watch, and how the scheduling impacts athletes, fans, and broadcasters alike.
When Does Track and Field Start in the Olympics?
Track and field events at the Olympics usually start around Day 7 or 8 of the Games, typically a week after the Opening Ceremony. This timing allows other sports to conclude before track and field takes center stage. In Paris 2024, for example, track and field is expected to begin on August 2, 2024, and run until the final day, August 11, culminating in the men’s marathon.
The Timing of Track and Field Events in the Olympics
Track and field events in the Olympics are traditionally scheduled to begin in the second week of the Games. Several practical and strategic reasons drive this well-established timing. One major factor is athlete preparation—many competitors participate in multiple events or have recently finished qualifying meets, so a later start gives them crucial recovery time. Additionally, the main Olympic stadium often hosts the Opening Ceremony, requiring a transition period to prepare it for the intense track and field schedule.
The athletics program covers various disciplines, including sprints, middle and long-distance races, hurdles, relays, jumping and throwing events, and multi-discipline contests like the decathlon. These cannot be effectively condensed into a few days, so they are spread out over 9–10 days.
High-profile events like the 100-meter finals are usually slotted into primetime TV slots to maximize global viewership, especially in major broadcasting regions like the United States. Placing track and field near the end of the Olympics builds momentum and fan excitement, culminating in the emotional and symbolic finish — the marathon, often held on the final day.
Why Do Track and Field Events Start Midway Through the Olympics?
Track and field events don’t kick off immediately after the Olympic flame is lit—and there’s a strategic reason behind that. Several factors, ranging from logistics to tradition, influence why athletics typically starts midway through the Games.
To Maximize Viewer Engagement
Track and field is one of the most iconic and widely watched segments of the Summer Olympics. By placing these events in the second week, the Olympic Committee ensures that interest in the Games remains high throughout the duration. This strategy helps maintain momentum and draws massive global audiences, especially for popular races like the 100m sprint and relay finals, which are often scheduled during primetime viewing hours in significant markets.
To Prevent Scheduling Conflicts With Early Events
In the early days of the Olympics, sports like swimming, gymnastics, and judo took center stage. These disciplines require their venues, broadcasting coverage, and media attention. Scheduling track and field later helps avoid overlap and logistical congestion, allowing each sport its spotlight while maximizing venue usage and broadcasting resources.
To Provide Athletes With Adequate Recovery Time
Many elite athletes compete in multiple events or arrive at the Olympics shortly after national trials or international championships. Starting track and field midway through the Games allows essential recovery and acclimatization time, ensuring peak performances during high-stakes Olympic competition.
For Venue Transition and Operational Efficiency
The stadium used for the Opening Ceremony is typically the same venue for athletics events. Time is needed to convert and prepare the field to meet competition standards. This transitional period is vital for ensuring the best athlete and spectator experience.
To Honor Olympic Tradition
Finally, tradition plays a strong role. Historically, track and field events begin in the second week, helping the Olympics build toward a thrilling and emotional conclusion, often capped by the marathon.
Track and Field Dates to Remember for the Olympics
When does track and field start in the Olympics? While exact schedules may vary slightly with each Olympic Games, the general structure remains consistent, providing fans with a reliable roadmap to follow their favorite events. Here are the most important track and field dates you should mark on your calendar:
- Opening Day of Athletics: Track and field usually kicks off on Day 7 or 8 of the Olympic Games, signaling the beginning of the athletics segment and shifting the spotlight to the stadium.
- 100m Heats and Finals (Men’s and Women’s): These iconic races, often considered the crown jewels of Olympic athletics, typically occur between Days 9 and 11. The finals are scheduled during primetime for maximum global viewership.
- Relay Finals (4x100m, 4x400m): These high-intensity, team-based events are held toward the end of the track schedule, usually during the final three days.
- Field Events (Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus, etc.): These are spread throughout Days 8 to 13, including men’s and women’s competitions across various disciplines.
- Combined Events (Decathlon/Heptathlon): These multi-event contests are held over two consecutive days, often midweek, featuring tests of all-around athletic ability.
- Marathons (Men’s & Women’s): Traditionally held on the final weekend, the men’s marathon is usually the last athletics event before the Closing Ceremony.
What to Expect from Track and Field in the Upcoming Olympics
The upcoming Olympics are set to elevate the track and field experience with a wave of innovation and inclusivity. Paris 2024, in particular, will feature late-night finals to cater to global prime-time audiences, along with gender-balanced scheduling and advanced timing technologies. Fans can look forward to thrilling performances from powerhouses like the United States, Jamaica, and Kenya, with stars such as Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Faith Kipyegon expected to lead the charge. New talent from Africa, Europe, and Asia is poised to shake up the podium. Sustainability is a key focus, with stadiums being constructed using recyclable materials and designed for future use. Spectators will enjoy an enhanced experience thanks to augmented reality features and real-time stat displays. As Olympic tradition blends with cutting-edge presentation, the next chapter of track and field promises unforgettable moments that will captivate both in-stadium audiences and millions watching worldwide.
Schedule Highlights and Fan Tips for Following Track and Field
Following track and field at the Olympics can be a thrilling experience — but only if you’re prepared. With events spread across multiple days and time zones, some planning ensures you won’t miss the most exciting moments. Here are some essential tips and scheduling highlights for fans:
- Download the Official Olympics App: You can stay up to date with live schedules, heat times, and athlete lineups by using the official Olympics app or checking the International Olympic Committee (IOC) website regularly.
- Convert Time Zones in Advance: Since Olympic events cater to a global audience, event times might not align with your local schedule. Use time zone converters to plan accordingly and avoid missing key races.
- Set Reminders for Major Finals: High-profile events like the 100m and 4x100m relays are often scheduled during evening sessions. Set calendar alerts or mobile reminders to catch these can’t-miss races live.
- Don’t Skip the Heat: Preliminary rounds often include breakout performances and national records. Heats can be as exciting as the finals and often introduce rising stars.
- Follow Athletes on Social Media: Enhance your experience by following top athletes for behind-the-scenes content, personal updates, and real-time reactions that bring you closer to the action.
Conclusion
To wrap up, knowing when track and field starts in the Olympics gives fans a chance to plan, engage, and thoroughly enjoy one of the most iconic aspects of the Summer Games. These events are placed in the second half of the Olympics for strategic, practical, and entertainment-related reasons. With a mix of tradition and innovation, each Olympic Games reimagines how track and field is experienced globally.
Whether you’re watching the 100m dash, cheering during a pole vault final, or witnessing the marathon’s emotional finish, track and field embodies the heart of the Olympics. So, mark your calendars, because the Games truly come alive when they start.
FAQ’s
When does track and field start in the Olympics?
Track and field typically begins on Day 7 or 8 of the Games. For Paris 2024, the events are scheduled to run from August 2 to August 11, covering the final stretch of the Olympics.
Why doesn’t track and field start right after the Opening Ceremony?
Track and field starts later to allow for venue conversion, athlete recovery time, and to position the sport during the second week when global viewership peaks.
What is the first track and field event in the Olympics?
The opening events usually include qualification rounds for high-interest competitions like the men’s and women’s 100m sprints or the long jump.
How long do Olympic track and field events last?
Track and field events span approximately 9 to 10 consecutive days, offering daily competition across multiple disciplines until the final day.
How can I watch Olympic track and field events live?
Events can be streamed through the official Olympics app, or watched via major broadcasters like NBC, BBC, or the official Olympic YouTube channel.
Do track and field events happen daily once they start?
Once the athletics schedule begins, events are held daily, featuring heats, finals, and field competitions across morning and evening sessions.
