While retaining the distinctive technical character of one of shooting sport's most demanding disciplines, the revised format introduces greater flexibility for athletes during the early stages of the final.
Under the new structure, the kneeling and prone stages will be combined into a single phase with an overall time limit. Rather than following commanded position changes, athletes will have the freedom to manage their own transition between the two positions within the allotted time.
The adjustment is designed to improve competition flow and create a more athlete-centred format while maintaining the technical challenges that define 50m Rifle 3 Positions.
The standing position and elimination phases will continue to determine the medal winners, ensuring that the event retains the tension and drama that have made it one of the highlights of international rifle competition.
Several other rifle and pistol finals will remain unchanged from Paris 2024, including the individual 10m Air Rifle, 10m Air Pistol and 25m Pistol Women events.
The new 50m Rifle 3 Positions format will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with athletes beginning their qualification campaign later this year at the ISSF World Championship Rifle / Pistol / Shotgun Doha 2026.