Beyond the Track with Grant Grosvenor

by usatffadmin | Oct 5, 2026 | News

Interview by Parker Neumeier, Journalism Student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Most people wouldn’t expect to run faster than they ever have in their 30s, much less run a 3:58.58 mile. But Grant Grosvenor is living proof that age is no barrier to determination, training, and drive. So, how did he end up running a mile in less than four minutes and setting a personal best at age 33?

Tracking Down Mile Records in Elementary School

Sports have always been a big part of Grant’s life. Growing up, sports were everything. His parents were constantly driving him and his sister from one practice to the next, from soccer to football and basketball, and eventually to track.

In elementary school, Grant’s PE teacher posted the school’s mile records. This is where his competitive spirit was born. Each year, he had two opportunities to chase down the top mile times. By second grade, Grant was already running the mile in under seven minutes, and in fifth grade, he broke the six-minute barrier for the first time, running a personal best of 5:55.

“That’s when I knew I was good at the mile.”

Track wasn’t his first-choice sport, however. Grant wanted to play soccer. He competed in track at the same time but actively avoided the 800m and mile, opting instead for the 110-meter hurdles, even though he admits the distance events were probably better suited for him.

A Life-Changing Prefontaine Classic

Grant suffered an injury his sophomore year of high school that kept him from playing soccer. During that time, he attended the 2008 Prefontaine Classic at the University of Oregon—a life-changing experience.

In awe of the atmosphere and level of competition, Grant fell in love with track. He began focusing more seriously on running, and during his junior year, competing against stronger athletes, he said, “it started to click that I could take it to the next level.”

By his senior year, he was ready to out-compete everybody.

Growing up, Grant had always loved the University of Oregon. From sporting any Ducks gear he had to following their football team during the days of Dennis Dixon, it was safe to say Oregon was his dream school from an early age.

Coming out of high school, Grant committed to Montana State and loved the environment and coaching staff in Bozeman. After several successful seasons in Montana, Grant transferred to the University of Oregon, a fulfilling, full-circle decision that allowed him to compete against some of the best athletes in the country.

Seventh-Fastest in the Women’s Sprint Group

Grant’s first year at Oregon was tough, and during his senior year, he was moved to the sprint team. Due to this last-minute change and scheduling conflicts with the men’s training group, Grant trained with the women’s sprint group.

 “I really enjoyed it because I got to become friends with some of the fastest women in the nation.”

During training, they did a 30m sprint test, where Grant finished seventh among the women’s sprint group.

“That was a pretty core memory. I was like, man, not only am I with the best men’s team, but it was the best women’s team of all time.”

That year, the women’s team won national championships in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. The experience helped shape Grant into a better runner in new ways.

Sprinting helped him learn who he was as an 800m runner, learning from athletes like Raevyn Rogers, who gave him a new perspective on how to approach the event.

During his time in Eugene, Grant won two national championships with Oregon. He said a highlight was being a part of the winning distance medley relay alongside Edward Cheserek, the most decorated NCAA Division I athlete of all time.

But winning nationals wasn’t quite what Grant expected.

“I didn’t feel as elated as I was expecting to.”

Days after becoming a national champion, Grant said he didn’t experience the fulfillment he was looking for, so the rest of the spring, he felt off.

At the end of his collegiate career, Grant had the opportunity to pursue a professional career. He was on the bubble in the 800m and ended up being just about half a second short of being contacted by agents, making the 2016 Olympic Trials, and continuing his running career beyond college.

These professional opportunities were another reason he made the switch to Oregon during his collegiate career, to open up doors and opportunities for going pro, so the near-miss was devastating.

Transitioning to Corporate America

Following the 2016 Olympic Trials, Grant stepped away from competitive running and entered Corporate America, beginning a period that would last from 2016 through 2023. After narrowly missing the Trials and, with it, the path to going pro, Grant transitioned into a job at Nike. But the transition coming out of elite athletics was very difficult.

“I didn’t adjust well at all. I was still coming down from the fact I hadn’t made the Trials.”

Suddenly, he didn’t like running and he didn’t enjoy exercise. Struggling with motivation, identity, and structure, the period of beginning life in Corporate America became a blur.

After 15 years in a structured sport environment, with required training and people telling you what to do and when, the freedom of not having any of that made it easy to just—not. Working out became a choice, a choice Grant said he kept choosing not to do.

For several years, Grant continued working while becoming increasingly immersed in the party culture surrounding him.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he said every day became a Thursday or Friday, so alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine were attractive ways to loosen up.

Adapting to the party culture of his new working environment, Grant said his poor decisions and partying compounded over time. He always knew that he eventually wanted to try running again, but his new lifestyle was making it increasingly difficult to get there.

Grant knew he needed to look for a way out, but it was hard to break away from the culture he was surrounded by. He was also nervous to try and run again because he didn’t know if his new lifestyle had destroyed his chance to do it.

“Partied-Out”

Walking away wasn’t easy. The people he had met had become his good friends. But slowly he started encouraging himself and others to just exercise a bit more—something simple, something different than partying.

Grant realized that if he wanted to return to elite-level fitness, he almost had to trick himself to gradually start exercising before jumping straight into high-intensity training.

Eventually in 2020, he moved to Arizona to create some separation and focus on work and getting back into shape. His friends and family cheered him on every step of the way.

“Addiction is creepy. It just creeps up on you,” and it’s misunderstood.

Grant says that it’s often not just someone sleeping on the street homeless or in jail. For Grant, addiction was masked under the lifestyle of the people he was surrounded by. It didn’t become clear to him until he was seriously considering getting back into running that he realized trying to live both lives was unsustainable.

By April 2021, Grant officially began competing again. Just a few months later, in July 2021, he set a new personal record. This was an important milestone in his return to the sport and proof that his running career was far from over.

Addiction Parallels Athletics

Looking back on his experience with addiction, he realized that he wasn’t alone. Many athletes have similar experiences after accomplishing big goals like winning a national championship.

“It’s really too bad. It’s the psychology of being an athlete, and [it] brings a lot of addiction out of athletes.”

Grant believes athletes are constantly chasing new highs through competition and winning. When they can’t find it in their sport, it’s all too easy to turn to other places to try and find it there.

As he continued training and attending recovery meetings, Grant learned that consistency is key.

Just like in sports, he said, “you don’t just get the PR because you had one good workout. It’s many days of compounding efforts, and the timing is always a little bit later than we would like.”

It’s the same for addiction recovery. He says some days it may not feel any different. Some days it may not feel like anything is working. But days start adding up to weeks, and eventually months, “and all of a sudden, your brain’s not as crowded and certain things start to click.”

Through his continued commitment, Grant has found the cognitive and physical benefits to be incredible. It has also given him the confidence to speak openly about his experience.

“You get to a point where you feel comfortable helping others and giving advice.”

At first, Grant didn’t love sharing his journey. In fact, he said not a lot of his friends even knew he had been struggling. But he realized how many people were experiencing the same things as he was, and they needed a resource.

“It’s been good knowing I can be that person for them.”

A Nerd for Research

Through his recovery, Grant is once again truly a fan of running and enjoys it a lot more.

Setting personal goals to aim for in running were also incredibly helpful throughout his recovery, and he says running now “has just been a really beautiful experience.”

After returning to competition, Grant continued to build his training and racing career. He trained in Flagstaff, Arizona, before making another major move in September 2025, when he relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to train under Justin Rinaldi and join FAST8 TC.

Outside of running, Grant says if it’s not too hard of a workout week, he enjoys going for walks, being in the Australian sunshine and laying on the beach. He also reads a lot and makes a point to stay away from his phone as much as possible.

In his free time, he teaches himself anything and everything, from learning about artificial intelligence and private capital markets to neuroplasticity. He describes himself as “a nerd for research.”

2028

Grant recently set his personal-best mile time of 3:58.58 in January of 2026. Looking ahead, he hopes to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Trials and potentially make the U.S. men’s 800m final. He said he would be really excited for the opportunity to compete at that level and maybe even sneak into the Olympics, where he would be 36 years old.

Between now and then, he’s focused on winning as many races as possible, and becoming sponsored by a shoe brand would be a dream. He continues to meet and connect with new athletes in similar recovery journeys, just being a resource to a stranger who becomes a friend, or someone people can confide in or ask questions to on their road to recovery.

As Grant continues his journey back to the highest levels of the sport, he has also received support through the USATF Foundation’s Adopt-an-Athlete Program, with funding provided by the Burgess Family Foundation. The program provides direct financial support to athletes as they pursue their competitive goals, helping Grant continue to invest in his training and his future in the sport.

Grant’s story is ultimately one of determination and commitment. One of facing challenges and allowing them to push you to be better than ever before instead of backing down or giving up. He is an incredible example of resilience, and his story can inspire millions battling their own forms of addiction.

At his peak performance and seemingly only going up from here, Grant is on top of his game and not planning on slowing down anytime soon.

Tracksmith Foundation to Partner with the USATF Foundation and ALTIS on Online Coaching Education for High Schools

by usatffadmin | Oct 1, 2026 | News

The Tracksmith Foundation is excited to announce a partnership with both the USA Track & Field Foundation (USATF Foundation) and ALTIS to provide under-resourced high schools with online track and field education course grants.

 The collaboration of all three organizations will provide 100 high school coaches access to ALTIS’ world-class online track and field education platform, benefiting at least 2,500 students nationwide.

The Tracksmith Foundation is the nonprofit arm of the Boston-based running apparel brand Tracksmith. Its mission is to expand opportunities for young people to participate in track and field.

In 2023, the Tracksmith Foundation authored a report that found that many high school coaches were not confident in coaching all of the disciplines in the sport, particularly the field and technical events. This initiative addresses these knowledge gaps by providing coaches with the skills to effectively coach across the disciplines.

Additionally, by focusing on supporting under-resourced high schools, this initiative will help to foster the athletic development of athletes from communities of need. This kind of development is vitally important as it can afford athletes future athletic and educational opportunities such as college recruitment. Launching in early August of 2026, this initiative will have a profound impact on communities nationwide.

The USATF Foundation is an organization focused on attracting and guiding funds to new and innovative track & field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth and elite athletes.

ALTIS is one of the world’s premier sports education providers, integrating their experience coaching Olympic medal winning track athletes into their sports education.

“Supporting athletes throughout their track & field journeys is at the heart of the USATF Foundation’s mission. Coaching is an essential part of that journey, and we’re excited to help provide coaches and athletes with the resources they need to grow,” said USATF Foundation CEO Vin Lananna.

USA Track & Field Foundation Announces 2026 Elite Athlete Development Grant Awards

by usatffadmin | Sep 4, 2026 | News

Behind every breakthrough performance is a season of preparation, sacrifice, and investment. For athletes competing at the highest level of track & field, having the right support can make all the difference—providing the resources they need to compete, reach their full potential, and ultimately pursue a place on the podium.

The USA Track & Field Foundation is continuing its commitment to that pursuit with the announcement of its 2026 Elite Athlete Development Grant award winners. This year, $750,000 will be awarded to 50 athletes. The Elite Athlete Development program provides support for emerging and mid-career athletes, with an ongoing commitment to easing the financial demands of training and competing at the elite level. Through direct financial assistance, the grants are designed to help athletes offset the costs associated with competing professionally and provide greater flexibility to focus on training, competition, and long-term development.

Elite Athlete grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. The Elite Athlete Development applications are carefully reviewed and determined by the USATF Foundation Elite Grant Committee, based on a combination of athletic performance, character references and an extra emphasis on financial need.

The financial realities of professional track & field can extend far beyond competition itself. Travel, coaching, training, equipment, medical care, recovery, and everyday life expenses can create a significant challenge for athletes as they pursue their goals.

Olympian Jaida Ross, who finished fourth in the women’s shot put at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and captured the 2024 NCAA Division I title in the event, expressed her gratitude for the Foundation’s support as she looks ahead to the next stage of her career.

“Thank you so much to the USATF Foundation for awarding me the 2026 Elite Athlete Development Grant! It means so much to have people in my corner who believe in what I’m doing and continue to invest in my journey. Heading into these next two big years, this support gives me huge momentum and allows me to put everything I have into preparing for the World Championships and ultimately for LA2028. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who continues to believe in me. I won’t let you down.”

As the sport continues to build momentum toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, supporting athletes at every stage of their careers remains a central part of the Foundation’s mission. The Elite Athlete Development program is dedicated to nurturing the development of track and field talent in the United States including both rising stars and experienced athletes.

New in 2026, the Foundation is also introducing its inaugural Ambassador Grants, awarding $10,000 each to a select group of longtime Foundation-supported athletes who have distinguished themselves both on the world stage and through their commitment to the Foundation’s mission.

Ambassador Grant recipients are athletes who have received Foundation support throughout multiple stages of their careers, earned a medal at the Olympic Games or World Championships, and have consistently given back to the sport and the Foundation community. Whether participating in Foundation events, engaging with youth athletes, building relationships with supporters, or helping advance the Foundation’s work, these athletes have demonstrated what it means to be an ambassador for track & field beyond their own competitive success.

The following 50 athletes will receive USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Development Grants in the amount of $15,000 each:

The following 9 athletes will receive USATF Foundation Ambassador Grants in the amount of $10,000 each:

USATF Foundation Announces 2026 Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Award Winners

by usatffadmin | Sep 3, 2026 | News

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.

USA Track & Field Foundation Awards Maternity Grants to Jalaysi’Ya Smith and Anna Camp-Bennett

by usatffadmin | Aug 31, 2026 | News

Returning to elite sport after childbirth requires far more than determination. It requires time, support, and resources that allow athlete mothers to recover, rebuild, and continue pursuing excellence on the world stage. Through its Maternity Grant Program, the USATF Foundation is committed to helping elite track & field athletes navigate this critical transition while continuing to chase their competitive goals.

The USATF Foundation is pleased to announce Jalaysi’Ya Smith and Anna Camp-Bennett as the newest recipients of the Foundation’s Maternity Grant.

Smith is an elite 100-meter hurdler whose rise through the sport has included representing Team USA at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships and advancing to the semifinals of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. During the 2024 season, she ran a personal best of 12.75 seconds, finishing the year ranked No. 19 in the United States and No. 49 in the world in the 100-meter hurdles. Smith welcomed her first child in February 2026 and is currently rebuilding toward a return to elite competition with aspirations of representing Team USA at future World Championships and Olympic Games.

“Becoming a mother didn’t change my dream; it gave me an even greater reason to chase it,” said Smith. “This grant represents more than financial support; it represents the belief that motherhood and elite competition can coexist!”

Camp-Bennett is one of the nation’s top middle-distance runners, specializing in the 800 meters, 1,500 meters, and 5,000 meters. Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, she competed professionally at both the national and international levels, earning a place among the top 50 in the world in the 1,500 meters according to World Athletics while consistently ranking among the top 20 Americans in her event. After recently welcoming her first child, Camp-Bennett plans to return to elite training and competition.

“I am incredibly grateful to the USATF Foundation for awarding me a Maternity Grant,” said Camp-Bennett. “These funds will help with childcare, recovery, and training costs. This support will help me better pursue both of my goals: becoming the best athlete I can be and the best mother I can be.”

She continued, “I love that the USATF Foundation is investing in female athletes and mothers in this way and helping to retain  some of the best talent in the U.S. I can’t express how grateful I am for this grant. I just want to say the biggest THANK YOU I can!”

The USATF Foundation Maternity Grant was established to help eliminate some of the financial barriers that athlete mothers face while recovering from childbirth and returning to high-performance sport. Funding can be used for expenses such as childcare, coaching, training, travel, medical care, and other resources that allow athletes to remain competitive while balancing the demands of motherhood.

The USATF Foundation remains committed to investing in elite athletes throughout every stage of their careers, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue pursuing excellence both on and off the track.