How to Become an Olympic Athlete

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Think you've got what it takes to be a champion? Follow these steps to make your dream a reality.

Step 1: Pick a sport
Pick an Olympic sport according to your age, training, experience, and athleticism. Being a middle-aged couch potato doesn't necessarily disqualify you; not all sports require the same level of physical prowess.

Step 2: Train
Once you've chosen a sport, find a place to train. Join a gym or recreational center to take classes and immerse yourself in the sport.

Step 3: Join the NGB
Join your sport's national governing body, or NGB. In the U.S. go to teamusa.org to register and get information on league events.

Step 4: Get a coach
Find a coach at your local training facility, or through the NGB. A coach will help you take your skills to the next level and guide you through the complexities of competition.

Step 5: Start competing
Enter local and regional tournaments; then work your way up to national championships.

Tip
Talk to Olympic coaches there for insider advice on making the team.

Step 6: Find financing
Find financing for sports that require you to train full-time. The most common strategies are athletic scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and residencies at official Olympic training centers.

Step 7: Qualify for the Olympics
Qualify for the games by attending tryouts, winning a qualifying competition, maintaining a high national ranking, or being selected by the coaches of the national team. Now keep your eyes on the prize and go for the gold!

Did You Know?
The oldest Olympian was Oscar Swahn, who was 72 when he won a silver medal in the running deer double-shot team event.