The poem is structured as a series of four stanzas, each of which begins with the refrain, "To an athlete dying young." The first stanza describes the athlete's physical beauty, his grace and strength, and his ability to excel in athletic competition. The second stanza focuses on the athlete's love of life and his passion for competition. The third stanza reflects on the brevity of the athlete's life, contrasting his youthful vigor with the inevitability of his death. The fourth and final stanza concludes the poem with a renewed affirmation of the athlete's life, celebrating his enduring spirit and his legacy of inspiration.