Follow live coverage of the 100m final and more track and field competitions at the 2024 Paris Olympics
It’s not often that a new wrinkle is introduced into Olympic sports, especially one that can become a complete game-changer for athletes. But, for those watching track and field this year in Paris, they’re going to see just that — the introduction of repechage rounds in specific races.
And it didn’t take long for one U.S. athlete to put the new addition to strategic use. Here’s what you need to know about the repechage rounds.
What is a repechage round?
It’s a second chance for runners. In individual races from the 200-meter dash up to the 1,500, as well as the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles, runners who didn’t automatically qualify out of their respective first round into the semifinals will have another shot to make the semis. In layman’s terms: It’s a mulligan.
Previously, semifinals in these races would be determined by the top finishers in each first-round heat as well as the next few fastest times, regardless of heat.
Notably, the 100-meter dash (where Julien Alfred was crowned the women’s champion already) does not have a repechage round. Additionally, the longer distances and steeplechase do not.
What does this mean for runners?
It allows elite runners…
