The 50m Swimming Events LA 2028 mark a historic expansion in Olympic swimming. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially confirmed three new 50-meter sprint races — backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly — for both men and women. These additions enhance medal opportunities, highlight speed specialists, and promise thrilling races at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
What Are the New 50m Events at LA 2028?
The IOC confirmed the inclusion of:
- 50m Backstroke
- 50m Breaststroke
- 50m Butterfly
These events complement the existing 50m freestyle and will be contested by both men and women, increasing the total number of sprint events.
Why the 50m Swimming Events LA 2028 Are a Big Deal
- Increased medal chances for countries with sprint specialists
- New opportunities for Olympic qualification
- Races are fast, intense, and fan-friendly
- Strategic advantage for explosive swimmers over endurance athletes
Tentative Schedule of 50m Events at LA 2028
The LA28 Olympic Games swimming competitions are scheduled from July 15 to July 28, 2028.
- Heats: Morning sessions
- Finals: Evening sessions
- Venue: Los Angeles Aquatics Center
Technical Differences in 50m Swimming
The 50m Swimming Events LA 2028 differ from longer distances:
- No breathing strategy – all-out sprint
- Start, underwater kicks, and breakout are decisive
- No room for recovery – any mistake can cost the race
Qualification Criteria for 50m Swimming Events – LA 2028
To qualify for the newly introduced 50m swimming events at the LA 2028 Olympics, athletes will have to meet specific standards and participate in a series of international and national competitions recognized by World Aquatics (formerly FINA). Here’s a breakdown of the qualification path:
1. World Aquatics (FINA) World Championships 2027
The 2027 World Aquatics Championships will be a key event for swimmers aiming to book their ticket to the Olympics. Top finishers in each 50m category (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly) will secure direct Olympic quotas for their respective countries. This event will also be used as a benchmark to evaluate athletes’ timing against the Olympic qualification standards.
- Top 2–3 finalists in each event may earn automatic quota spots.
- Performances here will heavily influence national team selections.
2. Continental Meets
Several continental competitions will also serve as qualifying platforms:
- Asian Games
- European Aquatics Championships
- Pan Pacific Championships
- African Games, South American Games, and more
Each continent will be allocated a limited number of quota slots, ensuring global representation and promoting fairness across developing and powerhouse swimming nations. Athletes performing well in these meets will either secure direct qualification or improve their world rankings.
🇺🇸 3. National Olympic Trials
National governing bodies like USA Swimming, Swimming Australia, and British Swimming will hold Olympic Trials in early to mid-2028. These trials are often considered the final chance for swimmers to qualify:
- The top two finishers (provided they meet the entry standard time) in each event are usually selected.
- These events are broadcast live and are as intense and competitive as Olympic finals.
These trials also help finalize relay teams and give a last chance to up-and-coming swimmers to make a name before the Games.
4. Entry Time Standards
World Aquatics will publish official Olympic qualifying times in early 2027 for each 50m event:
- Athletes must meet or exceed these time standards in approved events.
- A-cuts (faster times) may guarantee a place; B-cuts may require additional criteria like world ranking or available slots.
The qualifying window is expected to open from March 2027 to May 2028, giving swimmers over a year to qualify.
Countries & Athletes to Watch
- USA: Caeleb Dressel, Kate Douglass
- Australia: Kaylee McKeown, Emma McKeon
- China: Zhang Yufei, Li Bingjie
- Hungary: Szebasztian Szabo
- Japan: Ippei Watanabe, Rikako Ikee
Where to Watch the 50m Swimming Events LA 2028
- USA: NBC, Peacock
- UK: BBC iPlayer
- India: Sony Liv
- Europe: Eurosport
- Worldwide: Olympic Channel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new 50m events at the LA 2028 Olympics?
50m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly are the newly added events for men and women.
Why is this important for swimming?
It gives sprint specialists a bigger stage and increases medal opportunities.
Where will the events take place?
At the Los Angeles Aquatics Center, a newly developed Olympic venue.
Will these changes impact qualification?
Yes, more athletes will qualify specifically for short-distance specialties, making Olympic spots more competitive.
What are the new swimming events in the LA 2028 Olympics?
50m backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly for men and women — added alongside freestyle.
Why are these new 50m events important?
They open up new medal opportunities, reward sprint specialists, and add high-speed excitement to Olympic swimming.
Who is the favorite in 50m backstroke at LA 2028?
Kaylee McKeown (AUS) for women, Hunter Armstrong or Justin Ress (USA) for men are currently top picks.
Will there be qualifying standards for 50m events?
Yes, time standards will be set by World Aquatics and must be achieved in approved meets before LA 2028.
Conclusion
The 50m Swimming Events LA 2028 represent a new era in Olympic sprint swimming. With explosive races, new records, and broader participation, LA 2028 will showcase some of the most intense and fast-paced swimming action ever seen on the world’s biggest stage.
Stay connected with NewOlympicSports.com for real-time updates on LA 2028 events, schedules, and exclusive coverage.