How does an athlete reach the final?
I · Intermediate · The competition · 4 of 5When there are too many athletes for one competition, a qualification round is held first. Anyone who reaches the qualifying standard goes to the final. If too few do, the final is filled up with the next best performers, normally to at least twelve. Marks from qualification do not carry into the final.
How it works
- When: a qualification round is held when the number of athletes is too large for a single round.
- Everyone takes part: all athletes compete in it and qualify through it.
- Groups: athletes are normally divided into two or more groups of about equal strength, with team-mates in different groups where possible.
- The standard: set by the technical delegates, along with the number of athletes in the final.
- How many: at major competitions there should be at least 12 athletes in the final.
- Filling the final: "If no athletes, or fewer than the required number of athletes, achieve the pre-set qualifying standard, the group of finalists shall be expanded to that number by adding athletes according to their performances".
- The marks: in field events Q means qualified by the standard and q means qualified by performance.
- Three trials: "each athlete shall be allowed up to three trials. Once an athlete has achieved the qualifying standard, they shall not continue in the Qualification Round."
- A tie for the last place: the usual tie rule is applied. If the athletes are still level, all of them go into the final.
- A fresh start: "Performances accomplished in a Qualification Round ... shall not be considered as part of the final."
- A new order: the competing order for the final is drawn again by lot.
Tricky cases
An athlete reaches the qualifying standard with their first trial. Do they take the other trials?
No. Once they have achieved the standard they do not continue in the qualification round.
Nobody reaches the qualifying standard. Is there no final?
No, there is one. The final is filled with the best performers from the qualification round up to the required number.
Does a big mark in qualification count if the athlete does worse in the final?
No. Performances in the qualification round are not part of the final.
Two athletes tie for twelfth place in qualification. Who misses out?
Neither, if the tie cannot be broken. Tied athletes are both placed in the final.
Why the rule exists
A field event with forty athletes would take hours and leave long waits between trials. Qualification cuts the field to a size that can compete properly. Wiping the slate for the final means the medal is won in the final, not the day before.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 25.9 to 25.16 |
| Withdrawals | The regulations may say how a place left empty by a withdrawal is filled | TR 25.12 (note) |
| No technical delegate | The organisers set the conditions for qualifying | TR 25.12 |
| Other competitions | The governing body may use earlier competitions or rankings to decide who takes part | TR 25.9 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 25.5 and 25.9 to 25.16 and Competition Rule 25.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).