MAY 30–31
UpcomingTHE WINGS TRACK CLUB MEET
Invitational — not an AAU championship qualifier
THE PATHWAY
ROAD TO THE
AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS
Every champion has a journey. This is your roadmap from your first practice to competing at the highest level of youth track and field in America.
WHAT ARE THE AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES?
The AAU Junior Olympic Games is the premier youth sports event in the United States, bringing together thousands of young athletes from across the nation to compete at the highest level. The track and field competition features athletes ages 8 and under through 18 in a wide range of events.
Each summer, the AAU Junior Olympic Games are held at a major college or professional venue, providing young athletes with an unforgettable experience competing on a national stage. For many, it's their first taste of elite-level competition and a stepping stone toward college athletics.
To reach the Junior Olympic Games, athletes advance through AAU District and Regional Qualifiers per official AAU rules. The 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games are in Des Moines, Iowa (July 29 – August 8). Stride Nation Elite also competes at select national meets such as Nike Outdoor Nationals during the summer season.
15,000+
Athletes Compete Annually
50+
Years of Competition
100+
Events Contested
THE JOURNEY
YOUR PATH TO NATIONAL COMPETITION
From registration through AAU District and Regional Qualifiers to the Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa.
AAU Gulf District Championship
Region 17 National Qualifier
AAU Junior Olympic Games
01
STEP 01
Required for all competitionGet Your AAU Membership
Register with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) to obtain your athlete membership. This is required to compete in any AAU-sanctioned meet. Visit aausports.org to register.
02
STEP 02
Your home teamJoin Stride Nation Elite
Complete your SNE registration to officially join our team. This gives you access to our training programs, coaching staff, and team support at competitions.
03
STEP 03
Build your foundationTrain & Select Your Events
Work with our coaches to develop your skills and identify your best events. Consistent training builds the speed, technique, and fitness needed to compete at the highest level.
04
STEP 04
Gulf District championshipAAU Gulf District Championship
Texas Gulf AAU District (June 12–14, Challenger Columbia Stadium, Webster, Texas). Top 16 in each event and age division (per Gulf District rules).
05
STEP 05
Regional championshipRegion 17 National Qualifier
June 26–28. Top 6 in running and field events; Top 5 teams; Top 3 athletes.
06
STEP 06
National championshipAAU Junior Olympic Games
The ultimate goal — 2026 Games in Des Moines, Iowa. Athletes who qualify compete against the nation's best youth track athletes.
—
STEP —
National elite meetNike Outdoor Nationals (Optional)
Elite national meet during championship season. Not part of the AAU JO qualification pathway — a separate competitive opportunity for Stride Nation Elite athletes.
SEASON CALENDAR
2026 CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON SCHEDULE
Stride Nation Elite Championship Journey
JUNE 12–14
Qualifying MeetAAU GULF DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
Challenger Columbia Stadium · Webster, Texas
Texas Gulf AAU District (9 years and up) — Top 16 in each event and age division (per Gulf District rules). Advances to Region 17 National Qualifier.
Official Gulf District infoJUNE 18–22
UpcomingNIKE OUTDOOR NATIONALS
National elite meet — separate from the AAU JO qualification pathway
JUNE 26–28
Qualifying MeetREGION 17 NATIONAL QUALIFIER
Texas Gulf AAU District
After Gulf District — Top 6 in running and field events; Top 5 teams; Top 3 athletes (Texas Gulf AAU District (gulfaautf.com))
Official Gulf District infoJULY 29 – AUGUST 8
Goal EventAAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES
Des Moines, Iowa
Track & field at Drake Stadium, Aug 3–8 (per AAU)
2026 TEAM GOALS
- Regional Qualifiers
- Junior Olympic Qualifiers
- Personal Records
- Team Growth
- Leadership Development
CHAMPIONSHIP PATHWAY
AAU JUNIOR OLYMPICS QUALIFICATION PATHWAY
For AAU Junior Olympics Track & Field, athletes advance through a championship pathway:
District Qualifier → Regional Qualifier → AAU Junior Olympic Games
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
1
District Qualifier → Regional Qualifier
Per AAU rules, the top sixteen (16) finishers in each individual event, relay, and multi-event in an age division advance from the District Qualifier to the Regional Qualifier in the events they competed in at Districts.
2
Regional Qualifier → AAU Junior Olympic Games
Per AAU rules, advancements from Regional Qualifiers are typically: top five (5) in running events, top five (5) in field events, top five (5) in relays, and top three (3) in multi-events. The host regional (where JO Games are held) may use different advancement numbers.
3
Region 17 National Qualifier (Texas Gulf)
For Stride Nation athletes in the Texas Gulf AAU District: after the Gulf District Championship, the Region 17 National Qualifier (June 26–28) uses top 6 in running and field events, top 5 teams, and top 3 athletes to advance to the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
At the Region 17 National Qualifier, Gulf District athletes advance with top 6 (running/field), top 5 (relays), and top 3 (multi-events). Other regionals may use AAU national standards (often top 5).
PATHWAY PROGRESSION
DISTRICT QUALIFIER
Top 16 Advance
REGIONAL QUALIFIER
Top 6 Advance*
AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES
Qualification rules may vary by event, host regional, or AAU updates. Texas Gulf athletes: confirm at www.gulfaautf.com. National rules: aausports.org.
View 2026 Meet ScheduleAAU rules: aausports.org
COMPETITION
AAU AGE DIVISIONS
AAU competition is organized by age divisions to ensure fair competition. Athletes compete against others of the same age or age group.
| Division | Age Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 & Under | 8 years old and younger | Introductory division with modified distances |
| 9 Year Old | 9 years old | Single age division |
| 10 Year Old | 10 years old | Single age division |
| 11 Year Old | 11 years old | Single age division |
| 12 Year Old | 12 years old | Single age division |
| 13 Year Old | 13 years old | Single age division |
| 14 Year Old | 14 years old | Single age division |
| 15-16 | 15-16 years old | Combined age division |
| 17-18 | 17-18 years old | Combined age division |
Important Age Division Notes:
- Age is typically determined as of December 31st or January 1st of the competition year (verify current rules with AAU)
- Athletes must have proof of age (birth certificate) available for verification
- Events offered and distances may vary by age division
- Age division rules can change - always verify with official AAU sources
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
AAU rules, deadlines, qualification standards, advancement numbers, and meet schedules can change each season. The information provided on this page is intended as a general guide to help families understand the Junior Olympic qualification pathway.
It is the responsibility of each athlete and family to verify current rules, registration deadlines, meet dates, and qualification requirements directly with the AAU and official competition organizers.
Stride Nation Elite coaches will help guide you through the process, but we encourage all families to stay informed by checking official AAU resources regularly.
START YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP JOURNEY
The road to the Junior Olympics starts with a single step. Join Stride Nation Elite today and let us help you reach your championship goals.