World Triathlon announced that the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the Qualification System for the LA28 Olympic Games. This system builds upon the successful framework of previous cycles while incorporating significant updates designed to broaden global representation.
World Triathlon will contest three (3) medal events at the LA28 Olympic Games: Men’s Individual, Women’s Individual, and the Mixed Relay. As in previous editions of the Games, the total quota will be 110 athletes (55 men and 55 women).
The qualification window opens on May 18th, 2026 and concludes on May 18th, 2028.
World Triathlon President Antonio Arimany has highlighted the impact of these changes for the LA28 cycle, noting the expanded opportunities for developing nations: "There isn't anything in world sport quite as powerful as the Olympic Games, and we are proud that have taken our commitment with both the Olympics but also the development and growth of our sport one step further. We have successfully advocated for a historic expansion of the "New Flag" rule and, for the first time in our Olympic history, there will be two dedicated qualification spots per continent for nations not otherwise qualified. This is not a minor adjustment; it is a structural change designed to open the door wider for athletes from developing Triathlon nations to step onto the blue carpet in Los Angeles. This ensures that the Olympic dream is a realistic, tangible target for more of your athletes than ever before."
For the LA28 Olympic Games eligibility can be attained through a variety of pathways earning one of the 55 spots available for each gender. As in the previous edition of the Olympic Games, there will be Mixed Relay events counting towards the qualification.
Mixed Relay Qualification
The Host Country (USA) is guaranteed two men and two women (one Mixed Relay team), provided they have eligible athletes.
Mixed Relay Championships: The winners of the 2026 and 2027 World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships will each secure 2 men and 2 women quota places for their NOCs.
Mixed Relay Rankings: 16 men and 16 women spots will be allocated via the World Triathlon Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Ranking. The highest-ranked NOC from each of the five continents (from continents without NOCs already qualified and within the top 15) will receive 2-2 quotas, with the remaining spots filling the quota based on rank.
Through these Host and Mixed Relay pathways, 22 of the 55 places per gender will be secured.
Individual Qualification & New Opportunities
Individual Olympic Qualification Ranking: 21 places will be available through the Individual Olympic Qualification Ranking as of May 18th, 2028. For NOCs that have already secured 2-2 places via Mixed Relay or Host pathways, their top 2 ranked athletes in both genders will not be considered for these individual spots.
Expanded "New Flag" Opportunities: For the first time ever, the "New Flag" pathway has been expanded to include two dedicated spots per continent (one via Continental Games, one via World Triathlon Ranking). This major update ensures that up to 10 athletes (2 men and 2 women per continent) from countries not otherwise qualified will have a guaranteed pathway to the Games, significantly increasing opportunities for emerging nations.
Universality Places: A maximum of 2 invitations (2 men, 2 women) will be awarded by the Tripartite Commission to eligible under-represented NOCs.
Eligibility and NOC Limits
Athletes must be born on or before December 31st, 2010, represent the same National Federation throughout the qualification period, and be ranked within the top 160 of the World Triathlon Ranking by May 18th, 2028.
NOCs with at least 3 athletes in the top 30 may qualify up to 3 athletes per gender; all others are limited to 2.
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