2022 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Awards Announced—$2.65 million awarded to 100 Elite Track & Field Athletes

18 Jul 2022 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Awards Announced—$2.65 million awarded to 100 Elite Track & Field Athletes

NEW YORK CITY –

As the track & field community gears up for the highly anticipated 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, the USATF Foundation proudly announces its 2022 class of Stephen A. Schwarzman grantees.  The Stephen A. Schwarzman grants are the Foundation’s largest award and provide an unprecedented level of support to our World Championship Team USA.

This year, 65 athletes will each receive $30,000 Stephen A Schwarzman grants and another 35 athletes will each receive $20,000 Stephen A. Schwarzman grants.  The $2.65 million awarded to these 100 athletes represent a $700,000 increase in Stephen A. Schwarzman funding from 2021.

In an effort to further assist the USATF Foundation’s mission of supporting emerging elite athletes, 10 of the Stephen A. Schwarzman awards will be reserved for athletes just graduating college or recently turned pro.  This unique financial assistance will help athletes during their transition while giving them the resources needed to participate at the highest level.

“It is an honor to support these athletes as they train for the highest levels of competition,” said Stephen Schwarzman. “Their determination is an inspiration to me and so many others across the country.”

The funding will be used to cover expenses such as equipment, coaching, travel, medical costs, recovery tools and services.  As the USATF Foundation’s largest donor, Mr. Schwarzman has donated over $14 million to the grant program and with this year’s grants has distributed $8.4 million to support 455 elite athletes over the last 10 years.  “Mr. Schwarzman continues to show unwavering generosity to our elite athletes.  This type of support was not available when I was in my prime.  It is because of grants like these that Team USA can continue its tradition of excellence,” stated USATF Foundation Board Member Willie Banks.

All USATF Foundation grants are selected from a pool of qualified applicants.  Elite athletes are required to apply each year and are encouraged to complete the process 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 or World Championships.  Consideration is also given to monetary need.  Please Note: Additional USATF Foundation Elite Grants will be announced tomorrow.

“I would love to thank Stephen A. Schwarzman for making me one of the recipients of this grant!  The funding will be extremely helpful in my efforts to take care of my body for the sport. Along with my coach and my family, I sincerely thank you for everything and everyone that you are helping!” added Stephen A. Schwarzman grantee Marvin Bracy–Williams, 100m.

The following 65 athletes will receive Stephen A. Schwarzman grant awards in the amount of $30,000 each.

The following 35 athletes will receive Stephen A. Schwarzman grant awards in the amount of $20,000 each.