How old do you have to be to compete in the Olympics?
Throughout the history of the Olympic Games, we have witnessed various athletes of different ages, from youngsters to veterans. But is there a minimum age for Olympians?
Every four years, the world stopsas the Olympic Gamestake center stage. Paris 2024 will not be any different, as fans from all over the planethave been waiting for this exciting event in the French capital.
Following an atypical edition of the Olympicsat Tokyo 2020, which wasdeeplyaffected by Covid-19 as it took place a year later than scheduledand with no spectators, largecrowds are expectedin this Summer Games.
Butthe return of the Olympicsalso means the return of some frequently asked questions, includinghow old the athletes who take part in the different events have to be. If you were wondering about the required age for the Olympians, you’re in the right place.
How old do athletes have to be to take part in the Olympic Games?
The International Olympic Committee has notestablished a general minimum age for Olympians, although specific sports do have qualifying limitations. In order to compete at the Games, gymnasts must be 16 years old, while boxers must be 18 years old.
Paris 2024 logos seen at Bercy Arena the venue of Artistic Gymnastics event ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 22, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
But there is no minimum age limit for Olympic skateboarding, for instance, which makes it possible for young skaters to partake. Besides, young athletes are allowed to compete in several sports federations.
Despite the fact that many sports have a minimum age requirement, there is only one sport that has a maximum age requirement: only competitors between the ages of 18 and 40 are allowed to compete in boxing at the Olympics.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
