New Track Rule: Sprinters and Hurdlers Get a Second Shot at Glory in the Repechage Round!

PARIS, France — Dozens of hurdlers and sprinters will now have a second chance to seize their Olympic dreams, thanks to a newly implemented repechage rule in track events.

Taking effect on Saturday at Stade de France, athletes in the 200 through 1,500 meter races will receive an additional opportunity if they fail to qualify in their initial heats. This system, borrowed from sports like rowing and martial arts, promises to change the dynamic of Olympic qualifiers.

Most athletes see it as a safety net, though opinions vary. “It’s kind of like a make-up quiz,” stated Masai Russell, the U.S. Olympic trials 100-meter hurdles champion. She believes it offers an essential backup, especially for hurdling events prone to unpredictable mishaps. “I think it’s a really great thing, but I’m not planning on using it,” Russell added.

The repechage concept alleviates the old “lucky losers” system, which was confusing for fans as well. Previously, runners who didn’t automatically qualify had to hope their time was among the fastest non-qualifiers. Now, a specific extra race will decide who advances to the semifinals.

Introduced in 2022, the rule aims to create a more straightforward and engaging experience for both athletes and fans, stated World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. This format allows athletes a chance to continue competing, even if they stumble in the early rounds. American 400-meter hurdler Rai Benjamin noted he hadn’t given it much thought but has no plans to rely on it.

The rule could have notably benefited medal favorites in past events. For instance, Shericka Jackson, the Jamaican 200-meter world champion, missed out on a final spot at the Tokyo 2021 Games due to a strategic error. Similarly, 2016 silver medalist Nia Ali failed to advance after hitting a hurdle at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The new format could provide redemption paths in such cases.

However, not all events will feature a repechage round. The 100 meters will exclude it, due to its already lengthy qualification process. Longer distance events, like the 3,000-meter steeplechase and the 5,000 meters, along with the men’s and women’s 10,000 meters and marathons, also won’t adopt the system due to the extensive recovery time these races require.

This strategic shift aims to foster greater athlete engagement while enhancing the fan experience, potentially reshaping future track events.