21 Jul 2021 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Awards Announced–65 Elite Track & Field Athletes Awarded $30,000 Grants
NEW YORK CITY – The sport of Track & Field is buzzing with excitement and anticipation after the completion of the US Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon ahead of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The USA Track & Field Foundation hopes to add to this positive momentum with the announcement of its 2021 Stephen A. Schwarzman elite athlete grants.
The 65 Stephen A. Schwarzman grantees will each receive $30,000. This financial support is crucial to ensure that athletes representing the United States have the resources needed to reach their potential and ultimately make it to the medal stand.
Stephen Schwarzman is the largest donor to the USATF Foundation. He has committed a total of $12 million to the grant program and distributed $5.7 million in direct athlete support including today’s announcement. “I’m proud to support these incredible athletes and will be cheering for all 65 as they represent our country in Tokyo,” said Schwarzman. “Their years of dedication leading up to the Olympic Games are an inspiration to me and so many others. They deserve every opportunity to reach their potential and compete on the world stage.”
Although competitive opportunities have started to return, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are still being felt by almost all athletes. Due to losses of sponsorship, a lack of prize money and limited appearance fees, hundreds of professional athletes are in severe financial trouble. The USATF Foundation and its Elite Grant Program are continuing the tradition of assisting these athletes in need.
All USATF Foundation grants are awarded from a pool of applicants. Elite athletes are encouraged to apply every year in April or May. The Stephen A. Schwarzman grants are decided upon by the USATF Foundation Elite Grant Committee and criteria is based primarily on athlete’s potential to medal at the next Olympic Games and World Championships along with consideration for monetary need.
“I am so thrilled to have made my first Olympic team and to have the opportunity to represent my country on such a large stage. It means so much that years of hard work is going to pay off and to know that I’ll be competing amongst the best athletes in the world. I’m incredibly grateful to have this kind of support from donors and pure fans of the sport like Mr. Schwarzman. This funding will help me significantly with travel and medical expenses that quickly add up when in-season and competing. This will truly help as I prepare for Tokyo and beyond,” exclaimed 200m runner, Gabby Thomas.
The 65 athletes receiving Stephen A. Schwarzman Grants in the amount of $30,000 each are:
Anavia Battle – 200m
Alex Young – Hammer Throw
Anna Cockrell – 400H
Annie Kunz – Heptathlon
Benard Keter – Steeplechase
Brittney Reese – Long Jump
Brooke Andersen – Hammer Throw
Chris Nilsen – Pole Vault
Christina Clemons – 100H
Clayton Murphy – 800m
Cory McGee – 1500m
Dalilah Muhammad – 400H
Daniel Haugh – Hammer Throw
Daniel Roberts – 110H
Darryl Sullivan – High Jump
Dave Kendziera – 400H
Deanna Price – Hammer Throw
Donald Scott – Triple Jump
Elise Cranny – 5000m
Emily Sisson – 10000m
Emma Coburn – Steeplechase
Erica Bougard – Heptathlon
Gabby Thomas – 200m
Garrett Scantling – Decathlon
Grant Fisher – 10000/5000m
Hillary Bor – Steeplechase
Isaiah Jewett – 800m
Javianne Oliver – 100m
Jessica Ramsey – Shot Put
Joe Kovacs – Shot Put
JuVaughn Harrison – High Jump/Long Jump
Katie Nageotte – Pole Vault
Kendall Ellis – 400m/4x400m relay
Kendell Williams – Heptathlon
Keni Harrison – 100H
Kenny Bednarek – 200m
Kenny Selmon – 400H
Keturah Orji – Triple Jump
Maggie Malone – Javelin Throw
Marquis Dendy – Long Jump
Mason Finley – Discus Throw
Michael Cherry – 400m
Paul Chelimo – 5000m
Payton Otterdahl – Shot Put
Quanera Hayes – 400m
Quanesha Burks – Long Jump
Raevyn Rogers – 800m
Raven Saunders – Shot Put
Reggie Jagers – Discus Throw
Ronnie Baker – 100m
Rudy Winkler – Hammer Throw
Ryan Crouser – Shot Put
Sam Kendricks – Pole Vault
Sandi Morris – Pole Vault
Steffin McCarter – Long Jump
Steve Bastien – Decathlon
Teahna Daniels – 100m
Tori Franklin – Triple Jump
Trevor Stewart – 400m/4x400m relay
Valarie Allman – Discus Throw
Vashti Cunningham – High Jump
Will Claye – Triple Jump
Wil London – 400m/4x400m relay
Woody Kincaid – 10000/5000m
Zach Ziemek – Decathlon
Please Note: Additional USATF Foundation elite grants will be announced in the coming days. Opportunities for Elite Athlete Development, John W. James, Adopt an Athlete, and Maternity Fund grants are still to be announced.