USATF Foundation Announces 2026 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Award Winners

03 Sep USATF Foundation Announces 2026 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Award Winners

As Team USA prepares to take the world stage in Budapest for the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championships, the USATF Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 class of Stephen A. Schwarzman grant award winners. Supporting both current and rising stars in the sport, these elite athletes will receive critical resources to help pursue their goals and represent Team USA on the world stage.

“I’m delighted to support these incredible athletes on the road to LA28. I continue to be inspired by their talent, determination and grit,” said Schwarzman.

A total of 100 athletes will receive Stephen A. Schwarzman Grants this year. Of those, 65 athletes will receive $40,000 grants, while an additional 35 athletes will receive $30,000 grants. Collectively, the grants provide $3.65 million in direct support to American track and field athletes.

In line with the Foundation’s commitment to supporting emerging elite athletes, 12 of this year’s awards are reserved for athletes who have recently graduated from NCAA track & field programs with Olympic aspirations. Alyssa Jones is one of this year’s emerging recipients, entering the professional ranks after an impressive collegiate career that included winning the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Long Jump Championship. Jones went on to capture the 2026 USA Outdoor Track & Field Long Jump Championship, establishing herself as one of the country’s rising long jumpers as she begins her pursuit of representing Team USA on the world stage.

“I am incredibly grateful to the USATF Foundation for the blessing of being a recipient of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant,” said Jones. “Being a new college graduate, continuing to pursue track and field is an incredibly daunting path and the support provided by Mr. Schwarzman and all those who make this grant possible is a point of security. Thank you so much for making it possible for myself and the other recipients to continue to pursue our dreams and strive to represent Team USA!”

These grants are designed to help athletes manage the financial demands of competing at the highest level while allowing them to remain focused on training, recovery, and performing.  With the 2026 Ultimate World Championships serving as a steppingstone on the road to LA28, the Foundation’s support will help these athletes pursue their goal of standing on the podium in Budapest and ultimately earning the opportunity to compete for Team USA at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“Stephen Schwarzman’s generosity is creating a lasting legacy within our sport,” said Bob Greifeld, Chairman of the USATF Foundation Board of Directors.  “Through his commitment to these athletes, he is not only providing critical support to many of their careers but also helping shape the future of American track and field. The impact of these grants will extend far beyond a single competition or Olympic cycle.”

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 May or June.  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 major global competition.  Consideration is also given to monetary need.

The following 65 athletes will receive Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant awards in the amount of $40,000 each:

The following 35 athletes will receive Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant awards in the amount of $30,000 each:

PLEASE NOTE: Additional USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Grant awards will be announced tomorrow.