Objective To detect serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium, and iron for Shanghai elite athletes and to provide evidences for establishing serum element reference values for athletes. Methods A total of 45 athletes were selected. The nutrients were investigated by the dietary survey and the serum levels of copper, zinc, calcium, and iron were detected by the atomic absorption sepectrophotometry. Results The difference of serum copper of male and female athletes was statistically significant. The differences of serum iron of athletes of different sports were statistically significant. The differences of zinc, calcium, iron, protein, vitamin C, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber intakes of athletes of different sports were statistically significant. The serum copper was positively correlated to energy, carbohydrate, and vitamin C. The serum iron was positively correlated to serum calcium, dietary calcium, and carbohydrate. Conclusion The reference ranges of serum elements of Shanghai elite athletes and normal people are not exactly the same. In order to ensure the health of athletes, reference ranges of serum copper, zinc, calcium, and iron for athletes of different sports and from different areas should be established.