What Is 2012 United States Olympic trials

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 United States Olympic Trials were held between June 21 and July 1, 2012, to select athletes for the U.S. team competing in the London Summer Olympics. Events took place in Eugene, Oregon, with over 1,000 athletes competing across track and field disciplines.

Key Facts

Trials occurred from June 21 to July 1, 2012, in Eugene, Oregon
Over 1,000 athletes participated in track and field events
Held at Hayward Field, University of Oregon
Top 3 finishers in each event qualified, provided they met Olympic standards
Served as qualifier for the 2012 London Summer Olympics

Overview

The 2012 United States Olympic Trials were the official selection meet for American track and field athletes aiming to compete in the London Summer Olympics. Held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, the event brought together elite athletes from across the country to vie for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

This high-stakes competition determined which athletes would represent the United States in events ranging from sprints to distance races, jumps, and throws. The Trials followed strict qualification standards set by USA Track & Field (USATF) and were widely televised, drawing national attention.

June 21–July 1, 2012: The Trials spanned nine days of intense competition, culminating in the final team selections for London. Each day featured multiple events and rounds.
Eugene, Oregon: Known as 'TrackTown USA,' Eugene hosted the Trials at Hayward Field, a historic venue with a seating capacity of approximately 12,650.
Over 1,000 athletes: Competitors included reigning champions and rising stars, all seeking one of the limited spots on the Olympic roster.
Top 3 finishers: In most events, the top three athletes who also met the Olympic 'A' standard were selected for the U.S. team.
USATF oversight: The United States Olympic Committee delegated team selection to USATF, ensuring adherence to international and national qualification rules.

How It Works

The selection process for the 2012 U.S. Olympic track and field team combined performance at the Trials with adherence to international qualifying standards. Athletes had to meet rigorous benchmarks to even enter the Trials, and then perform under pressure to secure a spot.

Olympic 'A' Standard: Athletes needed to achieve this mark during the qualifying period to be eligible for selection, even if they placed in the top three at Trials.
Top 3 finishers: In most events, the first, second, and third-place finishers earned Olympic berths, provided they met the 'A' standard by the deadline.
Event-specific rules: Some events, like the marathon, used separate qualifying races, while others like the decathlon had point-based selection criteria.
At-large selections: The USATF and USOC could grant discretionary spots in rare cases, such as injury replacements or relay-only athletes.
Final team approval: The U.S. Olympic Committee had the final say on all athlete nominations, ensuring compliance with IOC and IAAF regulations.
Relay qualifications: Relay teams were selected based on depth and performance, with Trials results informing decisions but not always determining final rosters.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials with previous editions in terms of location, participation, and selection outcomes.

Year	Location	Dates	Athletes	Notable Outcome
2012	Eugene, OR	June 21–July 1	1,038	First Trials with full NBC coverage on cable and online
2008	Eugene, OR	June 27–July 6	982	Usain Bolt's world record overshadowed U.S. Trials, but U.S. still sent strong sprint team
2004	Sacramento, CA	June 20–27	941	Introduction of strict 'A' and 'B' standards for Olympic qualification
2000	Sacramento, CA	June 23–July 2	915	Marion Jones won 100m and 200m but later stripped medals due to doping
1996	Atlanta, GA	June 14–23	890	Hosted just before the Atlanta Olympics, creating a seamless transition for athletes

The 2012 Trials stood out for its high athlete turnout and enhanced media coverage. With digital streaming now available, fans could follow events live, increasing public engagement compared to previous editions.

Why It Matters

The 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials played a crucial role in shaping America’s performance at the London Games, where the U.S. ultimately won 26 track and field medals. The Trials not only selected champions but also highlighted the depth of American talent.

National pride: Qualifying for the Olympics is a career-defining achievement, symbolizing excellence and dedication on a global stage.
Media exposure: NBC’s coverage brought track and field into mainstream conversation, boosting interest in the sport.
Pathway for athletes: The Trials serve as a transparent, merit-based system for Olympic selection, reinforcing fairness in sports.
Legacy in Eugene: The city solidified its reputation as a premier track destination, leading to future events like the World Athletics Championships.
Youth inspiration: Young athletes across the U.S. watched the Trials, motivating them to pursue elite training and competition.
Team cohesion: The Trials helped build camaraderie among athletes, fostering a unified U.S. team heading into London.

Ultimately, the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials were more than a selection meet—they were a celebration of athleticism, perseverance, and national excellence.