A year after the IAAF changed the Olympic schedule so Allyson Felix could attempt the 200-400 double, it is changing this summer's world championships schedule to accommodate two more ambitious doubles. Nick Zaccardi of NBC Sports reported that both the Bahamian (for Shaunae Miller) and South African (for Wayde Van Niekerk) had petitioned for the change.

The original schedule had had the 200 rounds hours from the 400 final. This schedule will have the events on separate days, with the beginning of the 200 on the day off between the 400 semis and final.

Van Niekerk and Miller won the men's and women's 400 meters in two of the most memorable races of the Rio Olympics. Van Niekerk smashed the men's 400 world record out of lane eight, running 43.03 to break one of the most iconic records in track and field. And Miller dove at the line to upset Felix for gold in the women's race.