USATF Foundation awards grant to USATF Youth Hammer Throw Development Program

INDIANAPOLIS - The USA Track & Field Foundation Chairman Bob Greifeld and Executive Director Tom Jackovic announced today it has awarded a grant to the USATF Youth Hammer Throw Development Program. The program is spearheaded by Harold Connolly, a four-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder. Mr. Connolly was inducted into the USATF Hall of Fame in 1984.

The award of $7,500 per year for four years would support training grants for up-and- coming 13-17 year old youth, as well as potentially travel and room & board at a one-week camp for the top male and female throwers.

“This program has already proved successful. In 2008, Walter Henning and Conor McCullough, both of whom started in the program as 13 year-olds, made contemporary American hammer throwing history by becoming the first hammer throwers since 1924 to win a gold and silver medal in a World Championship competition,” said Paul Lilly, Foundation Director. “Harold has combined coaching hammer throwers in his hometown, with disseminating his knowledge of the event at national throws coaches clinics and youth throwers camps, and through collecting, organizing and producing an authoritative DVD.”

“I appreciate greatly the USATF Foundation's approval of our grant application for the continuing development of American youth hammer throwing,” said Connolly. “The Foundation's approval is an affirmation of the dedicated volunteer efforts of Bob Gourley, Bonnie Edmondson, my indispensable colleagues in this venture, and an increasing legion of other dedicated volunteers across the country advocating, supporting and giving personal time for the advancement of youth hammer throwing. On their behalf, my sincere thanks to all members of the Foundation for the support they have provided for us to provide greater opportunities and motivation for American youth to throw the hammer.”

Conor McCullough, Ages 10 & 17

Added Ken Flax, 2-time Olympic hammer thrower and Foundation Director, "when you introduce young athletes to the hammer throw in their early teens and you add the passion, experience and knowledge of a coach like Harold Connolly (the last American to win an Olympic Gold Medal in the hammer throw, 1956), you have the recipe for success on the world level.“

Inquiries regarding this program may be directed to Harold Connolly at connollyharold@gmail.com.

Ashlen Veatch

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, distance training centers and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors and from generous fans of track & field. 

For more information or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit www.usatffoundation.org.

Sabrina Gaitan (6th Grade)

Ashlen Veatch

Walter Henning (Texas Relays)

Walter Henning