They have brought us to our feet, stopped us in our tracks, and dared us to dream bigger. They have changed history.
Team USA is a diverse array of athletes who represent every walk of life. Once an Olympian and Paralympian, always an Olympian and Paralympian. Never former. Never past.
How these different people come together to arrive as one team, is a story of discipline, determination, talent, and grit and is different for each athlete.
Team USA qualification represents the most critical period for athletes and our National Governing Bodies (NGBs) on their journey to making Team USA. Outside of the Games, it is often the pinnacle of an athlete’s career; a make-or-break moment to “become” an Olympian or Paralympian.
Depending on the sport, athletes navigate multiple pathways en route to making Team USA. No journey is the same.
Team USA qualification consists ofU.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials, qualifying and prequalifying competition events, and selection and training camps.
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials: In these events, athletes must place first or within a top placement to be named to Team USA.
- Qualifying Events: Leading up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, athletes compete in a series of events. In these events, athletes can either earn points, achieve a world ranking or secure top placements, contributing to securing their spot on Team USA.
- Selection and Training Camps: Camps held by teams where athletes must compete (internally) for a spot on the Olympic or Paralympic roster. Typically, athletes are named to the team by a panel of coaches or a selection committee at the end of these camps. Many team sports are selected via selection camps.
A series of fierce competitions – between the best of the best – will determine who represents Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
