Talent identification in most sports occurs through mass participation and the process of natural selection; track and field does not enjoy such widespread participation. This paper reports on a project undertaken for the following purposes: improve the means by which youth with the potential for high level performance can be identified; develop normative tables for scores on various tests known to be indicators of track and field performance; develop statistically based equations for predicting future performance from test scores; establish norms for males and females at various competitive levels and different events; begin developing a scientifically rigorous method of predicting potential performance as well as the event that would be most appropriate for a particular athlete; and create a database that could be used for comparisons in the future. Approximately 1,200 male and female athletes throughout the country representing a wide range of abilities were evaluated using a series of tests of muscular power and speed, and anthropometric measures. Based on results, norms and predictive equations were constructed for several categories including sex, event, and level of competition (i.e., high school, college). Recommendations regarding a methodology for future talent identification and 26 statistical tables are included. (Contains 26 references.) (LL)