| 2002 in athletics | |
|---|---|
| Major world events | World Championships World Indoor Championships |
| IAAF Athletes of the Year | Hicham El Guerrouj Paula Radcliffe |
← 2001 2003 → | |
This article contains an overview of the sport of athletics, including track and field, cross country and road running, in the year 2002.
There was no primary championships that season, although continental championships were held in Africa, Asia and Europe. The foremost athletics competitions at games events occurred at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the 2002 Asian Games and the 2002 CAC Games. The 2002 IAAF World Cup was the major global outdoor track and field event.
Paula Radcliffe was among the season's top performers, having set world records at the London and Chicago Marathons, as well becoming European and Commonwealth champion on the track.