Youth Athletes

Today's youth athletes are tomorrow's champions! As the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport, track & field, long distance running, and race walking offer a variety of competitive and fitness opportunities. Youth competitions takes place in 2-year age divisions, from 10 & under through 17-18.

Youth meets and races are often more than competition--they're also fun! And, regardless of whether young athletes achieve a personal best, win a medal, or earn a shot at international competition, they'll have the opportunity to make new friends--and a lifetime of memories!

USATF's largest youth program is the Junior Olympics, where nearly 70,000 youth athletes compete each year in the Track & Field and Cross Country championships. Many of America's Olympians began as youth athletes, including stars such as Jeremy Wariner, Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards, Bryan Clay, Lauryn Williams, Adam Nelson, Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi.

Join USATF today to be a part of it!

On the non-competitive side, USATF's "Win With Integrity" program showcases star athletes speaking with local schools about the importance of fitness, a healthy lifestyle, living with integrity--including a drug-free life--and setting goals. "Win With Integrity" has been enthusiastically embraced by USATF athletes and the students to whom they speak. Watch for "Win With Integrity" in your area!

USATF has a variety of other youth-oriented programs--see the programs page or the Youth Guide (PDF) for more information.