Testimonials

I fully support the USATF Foundation. The additional revenue generated by the Foundation will help expand existing programs and create innovative new ones. Additionally, the Foundation will assist athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams. Please join me in growing the sport of track & field by making your gift today.

                                                                                Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Heptathlon

I am a decathlete in training to make an Olympic or World Championship team and this year I was a recipient of an Elite Athlete Development Grant. At Nationals this year, I placed fourth, just one spot from making the team to Berlin. I have no doubt in my mind that without the grant, I would have never been able to place as high as I did. As a decathlete you spend countless hours training with relatively little help, but I continue to pursue my goals, because I love the sport in which I compete. The Under Armour gear you also sent us to help supplement training may seem small to anyone else, but is a giant help to someone like me, who continues to train in old gear and worn out shoes because of no sponsorships. I hope you understand how much it means and I thank you again for your support throughout the year. It's amazing how the little things can make a big difference.

                                  Chris Randolph, Decathlon

Thank you, the board members and the Foundation for the support. I appreciate the well wishes so much. It was the most fantastic moment of my life - winning the Prefontaine Classic 800 meters - and the Foundation helped to make it possible and the people involved were there to witness it. What a perfect situation. It is an honor to be affiliated with this foundation and I hope I am making you all proud of your decision to fund me.

                                                                     Maggie Vessey, 800 Meters

The USATF Foundation is spot on with their mission to support athletes like myself who don't have the media attention and financial backing of some of the more popular events. We are the true underdogs of the organization and you make it your mission to make sure that we are not left behind. In my specific case, what you provided was a way for my coach to travel to the biggest competition of my lifetime. Without that piece of the puzzle filled in, I would not have been able to accomplish this wonderful gold medal performance. Thank you to the Foundation for the past support and future support of athletes in the sport of track and field.

                                                                              Stephanie Brown Trafton, Discus Throw

The support I received during my preparations for the 2006 season really lifted a heavy burden off my shoulders. At a time when I was without a contract and working odd jobs to meet financial obligations, the Foundation took a chance on me. Like I tell people all the time, it is a total team effort, no one does it alone. I am really grateful and indebted to this organization.

                                                                                       David Oliver, 110 Meter Hurdles

I would like to thank the USATF Foundation for awarding the Carrie Tollefson Training Camp with the Youth Programs Grant. It has been a dream of mine to host a camp for youth and give back to the sport I love. Being a 2004 Olympian gave me so much to share with kids about hard work, dedication, and the joy of victory. Not making the 2008 team has made me realize a more important message to be sent. It is great to be a champion, and that is what we all strive to be, but what we do with disappointment and how we overcome, and push through tough times, is what really defines a champion.

                                                                           Carrie Tollefson, Middle Distances & Youth Running Camp

WOW is the word that comes to mind just thinking about how much the Foundation has helped me in this and other years, and in supporting me in this Dream that is now coming true! The Olympian grant bonus is a blessing, enabling my coach to join me in Beijing. Thank you so much again.

                                                                                              April Steiner Bennett, Pole Vault

I just wanted to say how much the Foundation support means to me and my family. Without the backing of the USATF Foundation, there is no way that I would be in the position that I am in today. A few years ago, Beijing was just a dream. Now, it’s not only a reality, but the medal stand is a possibility....that’s unreal to say!

                                                                                                    Mike Hazle, Javelin Throw

I am writing this to say thank you USATF Foundation. The hardest part about making the Olympic team isn’t necessarily the training, it’s being able to pay the bills. At a time when debating to go home or “stick it out” training, the Foundation awarded me a grant to continue my training. Grants also send athletes a message that someone understands and respects the sacrifices made, sending a message of hope and encouragement. Your generosity has helped me become an Olympian and represent my country in China.

                                                                                   Loree Smith, Hammer Throw

I'd just like to say thank you for making me a Grant recipient once again. It is an incredible help and blessing to receive it this additional time around.

                                                                               Brianna Glenn, Long Jump & Sprints

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