How do you become an Olympian?

Whether being an Olympian has always been your dream or if you were inspired by the most recent 2024 Olympics and its outstanding competitors - the question you probably want to know is how do you actually get into the Olympics? 

The Olympics is much more than just winning medals, it requires years of hard work and dedication. Each year we see these outstanding athletes competing to win but we rarely see the behind-the-scenes process of how they got into this huge sporting event. No matter if you’re a gymnast or an aspiring track star, in this blog we are going to share with you how to take the first steps in becoming an Olympian, as well as which Olympic sports are considered “the easiest” to get into.

Can anybody become an Olympian?

Firstly, let’s start with the big question - can anybody become an Olympian? The short answer is yes, however, there are some age restrictions depending on the sport itself and the rules set in place by the International Sports Federation. 

For example, the 2024 Paris Olympic boxing athletes had to be between the ages of 19 and 40 in order to compete, however, the age limits may vary depending on the host country. As such, it’s best to know the age range of the sport you want to compete in for the next Olympics and get started as early as possible in life, as the games are very competitive and require strict training regimes to adequately develop your skills

Aside from age limits for certain sports which are implemented for safety reasons, discrimination is not allowed and as long as you have the skills to back you up - technically anybody can compete (although certain countries have been disqualified in the past due to current world events). 

It’s worth noting that some sports such as wrestling and boxing may still adhere to older rules that state only amateurs can compete. Amateur in an olympic context means that athletes practise their sport as a hobby, rather than paid professionals who are not permitted to compete. If you want to learn more then you can read through the official Olympic charter on the eligibility rules of the IOC.

How hard is it to be an Olympian

When we watch Olympians on TV, it’s sometimes easy to forget how skilled they actually are - especially when they make their sports look so effortless. In reality, these Olympians have dedicated their lives to these sports, have incredible precision, strength and determination, which is why they’re considered to be the best of the best.

Becoming an Olympian takes an extraordinary amount of time and dedication to one particular sport, with some saying it can take 10 years or 10,000 hours to be close to an Olympic level. You’ll need both physical and mental resilience as well as an unyielding passion for your sport, a great support system, and a strict training plan to get you ready for the Olympics.

So overall, it’s extremely hard to be an Olympian, some even believe that you have to have the right genes for it. However, with the right amount of dedication and years of practice, it’s not impossible, so long as you’ve got the drive for it and are ready to push yourself beyond your limits.

How to get into the Olympics

Now that we understand what it takes to get into the Olympics, let’s dive into how to actually take those first steps so you can stand there among the top athletes in the world. 

Financial Considerations

The first thing you’ll need to consider before taking any kind of action is how you’ll fund your Olympic endeavour, as the road to the Olympics is often expensive. Most athletes depend on sponsorships and grants - some even juggle part-time or full-time jobs to fund competition, travel and training costs, which further impacts their already demanding lives.

The first steps to becoming an Olympian

Once you’ve figured out your funding, the first step to joining the Olympics is to have a solid training plan. You will need years of mental and physical training with the right support system to get to Olympic level. To become an athlete you must gain experience in international competitions. This can often include competitions from world championships or continental championships if you want to qualify for the Olympics.

This will not only help you hone your skills but will get you used to the pressures of competing in front of thousands of people. When you become an Olympian the world has its eyes on you and the stakes are high, so getting used to the pressure of people watching you perform is a must for any aspiring athlete. You will also be able to compete against other extremely skilled athletes in your field so you can see for yourself where your skill level is at. 

How do Olympians get selected?

Now that you’ve got your years of hard work and dedicated training behind you, it’s time to compete in qualifiers for a chance to be in the Olympics. Each sport has its own qualification process and often requires partaking in a series of events to see if you can meet the specific standards. 

The games are an extremely competitive event with many of the top athletes in the world looking to secure their spot at the Olympics. This makes it crucial that you’re at peak performance for the qualifying competitions for a chance to appear in the main event. 

Athletes are selected by their respective NOCs (National Olympic Committee) who will also be responsible for supporting and entering them in the games should they succeed in the qualification process. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) will send out invitations to the NOCs a year before the event and the NOCs will submit the entries to the games which will then have to be approved by the IOC.

All athletes should comply with the Olympic charter and follow the rules of the IF (International Federation) for their governing sport. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the Olympic charter beforehand so you can know what to expect.

Which Olympic sports are best for those starting out?

As mentioned beforehand, Olympians are considered to be the best of the best so it’s natural to expect high standards and some extreme competition. However, archery and shooting are often cited as the easiest Olympic sports for people to get into. Of course, being the easiest at an Olympic level doesn’t make them easy, they still require great mental skill and a precise shot, they just don’t require the same amount of physical training as other Olympic sports.

What sports will be coming in 2028?

If your talents lie in baseball, cricket, squash, lacrosse, or flag football - then we have some great news for you! The 2028 Olympics, which is being held in Los Angeles, will see the return/introduction of these sports, so if you’re looking to compete in the Olympics, 2028 could be your year.

Which Olympic sports can you join later in life?

Not all of us dream of being an Olympic champion from the age of 10, so for those who are starting out a little later in life then it is best to focus on the Olympic sports that don’t have age restrictions. A few of these sports include:

• Archery
• Triathlon
• Shooting
• Equestrian events
• Road cycling
• Table tennis
• Rowing
• Marathon running
• Sailing
• Golfing

Despite these sports being a bit easier to get into without a restricted age limit, it’s important to remember that the people who compete in these events have spent years honing their skills, whether it’s working on their shot for golf or strengthening their leg muscles for cycling. Be sure to choose your sport carefully and make sure you’re willing to go through years of intense training for a chance to compete alongside them.

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