Olympic Job Opportunities Program
What is the Olympic Job Opportunities Program?
The Olympic Job Opportunities Program (OJOP) is designed to provide job assistance and career counseling opportunities to athletes who possess high Olympic potential. The jobs available in this program offer an opportunity for athletes to begin a productive career outside of track & field, while providing them the necessary time off for training and competition.
Who qualifies for OJOP?
You must be ranked in the top 25 internationally, in an Olympic event, by Track & Field News or the World Rankings in Athletics list at the time of entry into the program. Please note: Olympians who do not meet the criteria above do not qualify for the OJOP.
- Be a current (2008) recipient of direct Athlete Support Performance Pool Funding from the USOC, and/or
- Be ranked in the top twenty-five (25) individuals internationally (World rankings-World Rankings in Athletics) or finish in the top 25 at the most recent World Championships/Olympic Games.
How do I apply?
Contact Sariyu "Beka" Shittu, the Elite Athlete Services Coordinator (see below for contact information), to inform her of your interest in the OJOP program. She will research your performance history and forward that information to the USOC Athlete Services Division. In addition, please prepare a resume of your educational and work experience to provide to the USOC Athlete Services Division. This process does take time -- plan ahead.
If you have questions regarding OJOP, please contact Sariyu Suggs at 317-713-4689 or by e-mail at Sariyu.Suggs@usatf.org.
Note: The USOC will not accept OJOP endorsements from NGBs (USATF) less than three (3) months prior to opening ceremonies for that sport's Olympic Games. So May 8, 2008 is the deadline at which USATF will not be endorsing athletes for the program until after the Olympic Games.
