How to Qualify for the Olympics As An American Track & Field Athlete

Qualifying for the Olympics might seem like a complex and mysterious process, so let's gain a clear picture of the steps and requirements involved.

With the 2024 Olympics having just concluded, the excitement for the next Summer Games in Los Angeles (LA28) is already building. As one of the main events, track and field will once again capture the world's attention. For athletes in the U.S., understanding the path to earn a spot on the national team is crucial as they begin their journey toward LA28.

Paris Olympic Purple Track 2024

Qualifying for the Olympics as a track athlete is one of the most challenging and rewarding achievements in the world of sports. The journey requires a combination of exceptional talent, rigorous training, and strategic planning. Here’s how athletes can navigate the path to the Olympic Games:

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1. Sign Up with USATF

   Time to get your membership card

   
   

To compete in events that count toward Olympic qualification, athletes must be registered with USA Track & Field (USATF), the national governing body for track and field in the U.S. An active USATF membership is essential, as it ensures that your results are officially recorded in sanctioned meets. This membership typically costs around $55 per year for the individual adult membership. You must be 16 in order to go to the Olympics. Learn more about USATF membership and its benefits.

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2. Participate in Qualifying Events By Signing Up For Meets

Time to sign up for a meet and see what you have

To be considered for the Olympics, athletes must compete in various qualifying events held throughout the Olympic cycle. This period typically begins about 1.5 to 2 years before the next Olympic Games.

During this time, both indoor and outdoor marks can count toward qualification, provided that the event is the same indoors and outdoors (e.g., the 60m indoor event is not eligible, but the 400m is). Performances at these events are crucial as they determine an athlete's eligibility for the Olympic Trials.

Consistency and peak performance during these competitions are key. Find out more about qualifying events and their importance.

After submission, athletes must declare their intent to compete in the Olympic Trials, a process that typically includes a registration fee ranging from $30 to $60.

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3. Qualify for the Olympic Trials

Click the image to see the Olympic Trials standards for the past 2024 season

Every Olympic event has specific qualifying standards set by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Athletes must achieve these standards during sanctioned competitions to be eligible for the Olympic Trials.

You can qualify at any meet that is USATF-sanctioned, and many marks from collegiate meets also count toward the Olympic Trials. There are even smaller meets designed specifically to help athletes qualify, but certain rules apply: for your time or distance to count, there must be at least five competitors in your event. It’s crucial to stay updated on these benchmarks and requirements to ensure eligibility. Explore the current Olympic qualifying standards to see what it takes.

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4. Be Top Three at The Olympic Trials 

Make sure you have the Olympic Standard

At the Trials, athletes must finish in the top three of their event and meet the Olympic qualifying standard to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

There are two primary ways to meet these standards:

1. Achieve a specific time or distance set by the IAAF

2. Rank in the top 32 in the world for your event - see the standard below for 2024

2024 Olympic Qualifying Standards

Men	Event	Women	Field Size
10.00	100m	11.17	56
20.16	200m	22.57	48
45.00	400m	50.95	48
1:44.70	800m	1:59.30	48
3:33.50 (3:50.40 mile)	1,500m	4:02.50 (4:20.90 mile)	45
13:05.00	5,000m	14:52.00	42
27:00.00	10,000m	30:40.00	27
13.27	110m hurdles / 100m hurdles	12.77	40
48.70	400m hurdles	54.85	40
8:15.00	3000m steeplechase	9:23.00	36
2.33	High Jump	1.97	32
5.82	Pole Vault	4.73	32
8.27	Long Jump	6.86	32
17.22	Triple Jump	14.55	32
21.50	Shot Put	18.80	32
67.20	Discus Throw	64.50	32
78.20	Hammer Throw	74.00	32
85.50	Javelin Throw	64.00	32
8,460	Decathlon/Heptathlon	6,480	24
1:20:10	20km race walk	1:29:20	48
2:08:10	Marathon	2:26:50	80

Qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials is a challenge in itself, as the standards set by USATF are incredibly stringent. The U.S. Olympic Trials are one of the most difficult and competitive track meets of the year, where the best of the best come to compete.

To make the Olympic team, it is extremely beneficial to already have met the Olympic Standard, as this increases your chances of securing a spot. That means going into the Olympic Trials with the "A" Olympic Standard. See the standards above from 2024.

The Olympic Trials are generally held in Eugene, Oregon, often at the legendary Hayward Field. If you qualify, it’s important to check flight and accommodation prices early, as they can rise quickly around the time of the Trials. Booking a hotel or Airbnb well in advance can help ensure you’re fully prepared for this critical competition. The cost to attend the Olympic Trials can range from $2,500 to $5,000, covering travel, accommodation, and other expenses. Once an athlete meets the qualifying standard, they must submit their marks to USATF for verification.

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Other Key Information:

1. Olympic Trials to Olympic Games: The Olympics are usually held about a month after the Olympic Trials. Following the Trials, a detailed schedule will be released that outlines the specific days and times of competition for each event. The United States Olympic Committee assigns overall coaches to manage each event, but athletes are also allowed to bring their personal coach to the Olympics if they choose. Ensure that you and your coach are prepared for the transition from Trials to the Games, including any travel and accommodation arrangements.

   
   

2. Preparation and Support: The road to the Olympics is not just about physical ability; it also involves mental preparation, strategic coaching, and comprehensive support. Athletes often work with a team of coaches, sports scientists, and nutritionists to fine-tune their performance. This support system is crucial for reaching the highest levels of competition. The cost to attend the Olympic Trials, including travel, accommodation, and other expenses, can range from $2,500 to $5,000 on the low end, so planning and budgeting are essential.

   
   

3. Adjustments to Standards: Olympic qualifying standards are reviewed and adjusted every year based on the performance trends of athletes worldwide. Typically, these standards are not lowered from previous cycles. To get an idea of the LA28 standards, you can look at the standards for the 2024 Olympics and anticipate that they might be slightly more demanding. This allows you to set realistic goals and benchmarks as you prepare for the upcoming Olympic cycle. Learn more about how Olympic standards are set and adjusted.

   
   

4. Grab Your Passport or Maybe Not for LA28: One more thing to keep in mind: while most international track events require athletes to have a valid passport, the LA28 Olympics will be held in California, so U.S. athletes will not necessarily need one for this event. However, it’s always good practice to keep your passport current for other international competitions.

Let The Countdown to LA28 Begin

As the countdown to LA28 begins, track athletes across the U.S. are already setting their sights on achieving the qualifying standards and excelling at the Olympic Trials.

Qualifying for the Olympics is no small feat, but with determination, preparation, and the right guidance, it’s an achievable dream. If you’re feeling fast and motivated, consider signing up for a USATF membership and entering a local track meet to test your skills.

You might just find yourself on the path to qualifying for the next Olympics!

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