USATF Foundation Awards Dirk Rohloff 800m/1500m Grant Award to Abel Teffra

PITTSBURGH, PA — The USATF Foundation proudly announces that Abel Teffra, a rising middle-distance talent, has been awarded the Dirk Rohloff 800m/1500m Grant, established in honor of lifelong track and field supporter Dirk Rohloff.

Since junior high school, Dirk Rohloff was known for his exceptional speed and passion for running. Focusing on the middle distances, he proudly considered himself  “a miler.” Dirk ran competitively as an NCAA athlete at UC Davis and maintained his love for the sport throughout his life. He attended USATF National Championships and Olympic Trials events across the country, and he made it a tradition to visit Hayward Field almost every year.

In his spirit, the Dirk Rohloff 800m/1500m Grant aims to help an aspiring NCAA graduate transition into the professional ranks and pursue the opportunity to represent the United States at the highest level of sport.

As this year’s grantee, Abel Teffra, a recent Georgetown University graduate, set an NCAA meet record with his 3:53.60 mile at the 2025 Indoor Championships. Teffra is continuing his academic journey in the Master of Professional Studies in Project Management program while training under Georgetown head coach Brandon Bonsey, following his recent signing with HOKA. The Foundation is proud to support his continued development as he embarks on his professional career.

“I’m very grateful to the USATF Foundation and the family and friends of Dirk Rohloff for this grant and for believing in my journey. It’s an honor to represent Dirk’s passion for the middle distances and the sport he loved deeply,” said Abel. “This grant motivates me to keep striving for excellence and to honor Dirk’s legacy as I pursue my professional running goals.”