Athletes clad in their country’s colors competing for Olympic gold in the track and field portion of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London today all have one thing in common — they’re all physically fit.

And that’s how those interested in the sport need to look at it, especially when younger kids want to get involved, Opp track and field coach Brian Dickerson said.

“It gives a great opportunity for kids to get out and experience something besides an everyday sport,” Dickerson said. “It allows you to run and enjoy it and be competitive at the same time.”

Dickerson said track and field also gives athletes a broader view into the world of sports.

“I think it gives us a bigger spectrum to see things other than baseball, basketball and other sports,” he said.

Men’s and women’s track and field events will begin today with the men’s 1,500-meter run; men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase; men’s 400-meter hurdles; men’s shot put; men’s hammer throw; men’s long jump; women’s 100-meter run; women’s 400-meter run; women’s discus throw; women’s triple jump; women’s 10,000-meter run; and women’s heptathlon.

The track and field events at the Olympics runs until Sun., Aug. 12.

The first day of competition is a first-round trial for athletes to have a try at advancing in their respective events.

Dickerson said he’s been working with the football team in the weight room for a month, and is eager to get started working with the school’s track and field team.