In order to be eligible to compete at the 2002 USA Track & Field Youth Athletics Championships, a competitor must be a U.S. citizen and born after July 29, 1983. Athletes compete in one of five age groups, determined by birth year. Those age divisions are Bantam (1992 or later), Midget (1990-1991), Youth (1988-1989), Intermediate (1986-87) and Young Men/Women (1984-85). Athletes born in 1983 are also eligible if they do not turn 19 on or prior to July 29, 2002.
This meet will serve as one of the selection meets for the 2003 World Youth Athletics Championship, July 10-13, 2003 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Athletes also can qualify for Team USA at the 2002 USATF National Junior Olympic Championships in Omaha, Neb., July 23-28. With a chance to compete in an international competition, the field in Miami will be loaded with talented youth from across the country.
"The USA Track & Field Youth Athletics National Championships gives our grass roots athletes a tremendous opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in their age division," said Mark Springer, USATF Director of Grass Roots Programs and Planning. "The Verizon Youth Series, established in 2001, remains an important step toward shaping the next generation of champions and helping to maintain our status as the World's #1 Track & Field Team."
For more information on the 2002 USA Track & Field Youth Athletics National Championships and the Verizon Youth Series, including results and a complete coverage of this year's event, visit the USATF Web site at www.usatf.org. Results and coverage of the meet will also appear on flrunners.com and the Mile Split Network.