Road to LA28: Olympic Qualification Criteria Now Officially Approved

With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games now just over two years away, a major milestone has been reached on the path to Olympic triathlon competition. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formally approved the Qualification System for Triathlon at LA28.

The triathlon competition in Los Angeles will once again feature three medal events — Men’s Individual, Women’s Individual, and the Mixed Relay — with a total of 110 quota places (55 men and 55 women) up for grabs.

As the host nation, the U.S. is guaranteed a Mixed Relay team composed of two men and two women, provided all athletes meet the eligibility requirements. This ensures USA Triathlon can focus on preparing a competitive team on home soil at LA28.

Beyond the host slot, there will be multiple pathways to qualification:

• Winners of the 2026 and 2027 World Triathlon Mixed Relay Championships will earn quota places for their National Olympic Committees.

• Mixed Relay Olympic Qualification Rankings will allocate a large share of spots — with continental representation applied — helping nations secure both individual and relay opportunities.

• An Individual Olympic Qualification Ranking will award 21 places per gender based on World Triathlon rankings as of 18 May 2028.

Expanded Continental Opportunities

For the first time in Olympic triathlon history, the qualification system includes two dedicated “New Flag” quota spots per continent — one via the Continental Games and one via World Triathlon rankings. This structural change was designed to broaden global representation and ensure athletes from emerging triathlon nations have a realistic pathway to LA28.

USA Triathlon will continue providing updates on qualification standings, Team USA selection criteria, and timelines. With the Games on home soil and the qualification window opening in May, the countdown to LA28 has officially begun.