Story courtesy of Kent State's Athletic Communications Department

Kent State track and field standout Ayden Bath has been selected to represent Team USA at the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru, this July 20 through August 1.

The fourth edition of the FISU America Games will welcome university athletes from 18 countries across North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean, marking the largest country field in event history. The expanded field will include the U.S. Virgin Islands, a U.S. territory competing in the event for the first time.

"Being selected to compete at the FISU America Games is an honor and a huge milestone I have worked so hard to achieve," Bath said. "I am honored to be able to represent my university and my country on the international stage. This opportunity would not be possible without the countless hours of guidance from my coaches as well as the support from family and friends. I am truly grateful and ready for this opportunity."

Bath will compete in the decathlon from July 31-Aug. 1. A two-time Mid-American Conference champion in the event, this will be his first decathlon in more than a year after redshirting this past outdoor season. Bath's personal-best of 7,466 ranks third in program history.