Endangered Species Athletics | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Endangered species go paw-to-fin in the Endangered Species Athletics competition!

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The premier summer sporting event of 2024 is here – the Endangered Species Athletics competition! From July 20-July 27, 2024, 16 listed species from across the United States will go feather-to-fin and leaf-to-paw in four virtual events: swimming, climbing, track and strength. And YOU get to be on the judging panel!

Our athletes are as diverse as the habitats they call home, and they are ready to show you what peak athletic performance looks like. From Mya Gration, the rufa red knot who makes yearly 10,000-mile endurance flights from Argentina to Canada, to Massi Saga, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, who hates leaving his at-home gym but is eager to ssssshow off his muscle strength, each athlete’s story of their journey to the Endangered Species Athletics is sure to win your heart, but can they win your vote?

“I am the GOAT – the speed goat,” said Nora Annie Lope, the Sonoran pronghorn competing in the track event. She’s confident her 60 mile per hour sprints will dust the competition, including Slo-Mo, the Mojave desert tortoise, who’s been training with the Marine Corps since she hatched.

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“I have my lucky shell with me, and as I always say, ‘Embrace the waves!’” said Michael Kelps, the southern sea otter from Morro Bay, California. He’ll be going up against some of the strongest freshwater swimmers, including Min Know, the Arkansas River shiner, who claims she’s ready to deep fry the competition despite her tiny 2-inch size.

The climbing event will be one to watch as the athletes push themselves to new extremes on rugged terrain and death-defying heights. Will the Virginia big-eared bat, Troy Globite, for whom gravity is a mere suggestion, be able to keep up with larger competitors like Beth Rawrden, the Sierra Nevada fisher, or Brooke-tail Raboutou the Florida panther?

“Success doesn’t always mean moving forward. Sometimes it means holding your ground,” said Phyl Tration, a dwarf wedgemussel competing in the strength competition. This young mussel will be up against the likes of Bark Henry, a whitebark pine, who’s trained in mountain storms for more than 100 years. Will age and experience serve as an asset or burden in determining the strongest of the strong?

You can learn more about each of the competitors and their journeys by exploring our event pages and trading cards linked below. Then, join us on our Instagram stories (@usfws) to vote for your favorite athletes. A different event will take place each day starting Monday, July 22. The species who wins each Instagram poll will receive the gold medal in their event. Invite partners, friends and family to join in on the fun!