USATF Foundation Awards $15,000 Adopt an Athlete Grant to Krissy Gear

PITTSBURGH, PA — The USATF Foundation is proud to announce that professional middle-distance runner Krissy Gear has been awarded a $15,000 Adopt an Athlete Grant.  

Gear has had an outstanding 2025 season, highlighted by her gold medal at the NACAC Championships, where she claimed the 3000m steeplechase title. She also captured the national title at the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships clocking in 4:23.98, setting a new women’s U.S. road mile record.

Gear began her collegiate career at Furman University, where she set an indoor school record in the 800m with a time of 2:07.14 and was named the Southern Conference Indoor Freshman of the Year in 2018. That same year, she represented the U.S. at the World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, finishing 10th in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 10:00.99, after winning the USA U20 Championship earlier that season to qualify for the event.

She later transferred to the University of Arkansas, where she became a standout NCAA runner — a four-time All-American, SEC Champion, and the school record holder in the indoor mile with a time of 4:31.83 set in 2021. Gear also set the Arkansas and SEC meet records in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2021 SEC Championships, running 9:38.62 to win the conference title. She captured multiple SEC gold medals, including the 3000m steeplechase in 2021 and the distance medley relay in 2020 and 2021.

In her first year as a professional athlete in 2023, she became the U.S. national champion in the 3000m steeplechase, continuing to build on an already remarkable career. This victory earned her a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Budapest.

“I am always in awe at how every time I question myself — my abilities or decision to dedicate myself to this sport — someone or something always comes around to remind me that it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be right now,” said Gear. “I know I am a small part working toward something much larger than myself, but the support I feel with this grant reminds me I am doing more than I think and my job is not finished. The generosity of the people who believe in me inspires and enables me to pay it forward in whatever sort of way I can. I intend to do just that: use this grant toward becoming the best version of myself and helping others do the same. It’s definitely surreal to feel appreciated and seen by the very people you admire. I know I am wildly fortunate to be seen, supported, and inspired by such remarkable people in my life. Thank you USATF Foundation.”

The USATF Foundation Adopt an Athlete Program connects elite U.S. track & field athletes with passionate fans who help cover essential training and competition expenses. Through this program, the Foundation provides critical support to athletes as they chase national titles, records, and global success.