What Is the Repechage Round in Track & Field?
Executive Summary
The repechage round in track & field gives athletes who didn’t automatically qualify another chance to advance. First used at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it replaced time qualifiers in some sprints and hurdles, adding extra races to determine advancement.
Wait, Why Are There Extra Races?
At Paris 2024, casual fans were confused. “Didn’t that runner already lose? Why are they running again?”
Welcome to the repechage round.
It’s like a “wild card” system—lose early, but still get another shot.
What Does “Repechage” Mean?
From French, meaning “to rescue” or “fish out again.”
Common in rowing, judo, wrestling.
New in track & field since Paris 2024.
In short: fail once, fight again.
How the Repechage Round Works
Here’s the format used in Paris:
Heats → Top finishers auto-qualify for the next round.
Repechage round → Everyone else races again in repechage heats.
Winners from repechage → Advance to the semifinals.
Instead of “fastest losers” advancing by time, advancement happens through extra racing.
Events Using Repechage
At Paris 2024, repechage was used in:
100m
200m
400m
100/110m hurdles
400m hurdles
Notably, it was not used in distance races (too much volume) or relays.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fairer — no more “fastest loser” depending on heat draw. | Adds more races → more fatigue for athletes. |
| Easier to understand: top X advance, everyone else races again. | Could cause strategic sandbagging (“save energy for repechage”). |
| More racing = more fan engagement. | Scheduling logistics are harder. |
Strategy Shifts at Paris 2024
Athletes didn’t chase times in heats—just top spots.
Some used repechage as a “safety net.”
Coaches worried about fatigue stacking with more rounds.
Example: In the 400m hurdles, athletes had to run an extra race compared to Tokyo 2020, impacting semifinal recovery.
Visual: Repechage Bracket Flow
Heats → Auto Q → Semis
↘ Repechage → Q → Semis
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
Repechage = second chance.
First used in sprints/hurdles at Paris 2024.
Replaced “fastest loser” time advancement.
Fairer, but adds more fatigue and strategy changes.
Want to understand all meet formats? Check out our Rules & Guides Hub for quick explainers.
FAQs
1. What does repechage mean?
It means “second chance” — athletes get another race to qualify.
2. Why was repechage added in Paris 2024?
To make advancement fairer and easier to follow for fans.
3. Does repechage make athletes more tired?
Yes — especially in longer sprints like the 400m. Extra races mean extra fatigue.
4. Will repechage stay in future Olympics?
World Athletics is still reviewing feedback, but fans seemed to like it.
Want more simple breakdowns of track & field rules? Explore our Track Rules Hub or book a Free Athlete Consultation.
