The 29th South American Junior Championships in Athletics were held in San Carlos, Uruguay from June 20–21, 1997.

Detailed result lists are available on the "World Junior Athletics History" website.

[1] An unofficial count yields the number of about 302 athletes from 11 countries: Argentina (59), Bolivia (3), Brazil (65), Chile (32), Colombia (21), Ecuador (22), Panama (1), Paraguay (22), Peru (15), Uruguay (38), Venezuela (24).

Medal winners are published for men[2] and women[3] Complete results can be found on the "World Junior Athletics History" website.

[1] *   Host nation (Uruguay)