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 stops as the Olympic Games take center stage. Paris 2024 will not be any different, as fans from all over the planet have been waiting for this exciting event in the French capital.
Following an atypical edition of the Olympics at Tokyo 2020, which was deeply affected by Covid-19 as it took place a year later than scheduled and with no spectators, large crowds are expected in this Summer Games.
But the return of the Olympics also means the return of some frequently asked questions, including how 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 not established 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, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Since joining Bolavip in February 2021, he has extensively covered soccer, NFL, and NBA, specializing in real-time coverage of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. Martin’s prior experience includes managing social media for the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. At Bolavip, he is known for his meticulous coverage during critical sports seasons—covering trades, playoffs, and finals—and for keeping a close eye on soccer icons Lionel Messi at Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. His attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news have made him a valuable asset to the team.