The 13th South American Junior Championships in Athletics were held in Santiago, Chile from October 23–26, 1980.

Detailed result lists can be found on the "World Junior Athletics History" website.

[1] An unofficial count yields the number of about 191 athletes from about 8 countries: Argentina (49), Brazil (43), Chile (54), Colombia (9), Ecuador (13), Paraguay (9), Peru (11), Uruguay (3).

Medal winners are published for men[2] and women.

[3] Complete results can be found on the "World Junior Athletics History" website.