PITTSBURGH, PA — As 2026 begins, the USA Track & Field Foundation proudly reflects on a year defined by exceptional support, competitive excellence, and meaningful impact across various levels of the sport. In its 20th year of awarding financial assistance to Olympic-hopeful track and field athletes, the Foundation continued its mission of raising money and giving it directly to athletes, strengthening the pipeline from youth athletes to elite athletes to master’s athletes. 

In 2025, the Foundation awarded $3.65 million in Stephen A. Schwarzman Grants to 100 of the nation’s top elite athletes. 65 athletes received $40,000 grants, while an additional 35 athletes were awarded $30,000 grants, marking one of the most substantial years of elite athlete investment in Foundation history. Complementing this support, the Foundation awarded a total of $750,000 in Elite Athlete Development Grants. 45 athletes received $15,000 grants, and 15 athletes received $5,000 grants, supporting professional athletes as they continue to work towards chasing their dreams.

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo showcased extraordinary performances by Team USA, highlighted by 1 world record, 9 area records, 9 championship records, and 62 national records across the weeklong competition. USATF Foundation grantees earned a combined 23 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals.  

The Foundation’s commitment to youth development continued to grow in 2025, with $102,550 awarded to 46 youth clubs across the country. These grants support programs that foster athletic development, character building, education, and personal growth. 

Elite athlete engagement with youth clubs continued to grow through Run With US! events, including appearances by Jess McClain, Parker Valby, Emily Mackay, Abdihamid Nur, Krissy Gear, Caleb Dean, Raevyn Rogers, Alaysha Johnson, and Samirah Moody. By connecting elite athletes directly with youth clubs, the Foundation continues to make professional track and field success feel tangible and attainable to kids that have dreams of competing collegiately or for Team USA.  

The Foundation continued its leadership in supporting athlete-mothers by awarding $25,000 in Maternity Grants to Tristin Colley, Whittni Morgan, Betsy Saina, Elle St. Pierre, Amy Davis-Green, and Marisa Howard.  

In partnership with the USATF Masters Track & Field Committee, the Foundation launched the Nationals Masters Travel Grant Program, a new initiative designed to expand access to national-level competition for Masters athletes. The program provides financial assistance to help eligible athletes compete at the USATF National Indoor and Outdoor Championships, reducing financial barriers and enabling more athletes to continue competing and inspiring across generations. 

The Foundation was also proud to reveal 3 new grant programs in 2025. The Michael Venning Hammer Grant was awarded to Emma Robbins, with an aim to help an aspiring NCAA graduate make a start in the professional world of track & field while also honoring Michael Venning. Similarly, the first Dirk Rohloff 800m/1500m Grant was awarded to Abel Teffra in an effort to carry on the love and pride Rohloff had for the middle distance events.  Lastly, the Jump to Glory Fund was created to support both vertical and horizontal jump events, which are typically limited in competition and prize money opportunities. Inaugural grants for this program are set to be awarded in 2026.

The USATF Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to its Board of Directors, donors, athletes, and supporters for making 2025 a year of extraordinary impact. As the Foundation looks toward the future, it remains committed to supporting USA Track & Field at every level. 

PITTSBURGH, PA — For elite marathoner Tristin Colley, pregnancy does not mark a pause in ambition, it marks a new chapter. As she prepares to welcome her first child in April 2026, the USATF Foundation has awarded Colley a Maternity Grant, providing critical support during a period when professional athletes are too often left without resources, stability or security.  

PITTSBURGH, PA — The USATF Foundation is proud to announce that professional distance runner Whittni Morgan has been awarded a Maternity Grant in recognition of her dedication to both her athletic career and growing family.

Whittni Morgan, one of the nation’s top distance runners, has been a consistent force on the professional circuit, representing Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2025 World Indoor Championships in China where she placed fourth in the 3000m.

Prior to going pro, Morgan competed for the BYU Cougars, earning 10 All-American honors and winning the 2021 NCAA Cross Country Championship individual title. A standout from an early age, she was named Utah’s 2016 Female Athlete of the Year after winning four Utah High School 1A individual cross country state championships.

“Thank you USATF Foundation for being a constant support to athletes whether competing on the track or building a family. Your funds and support help make success in both possible and I am so grateful!” said Morgan.

The Foundation’s Maternity Grant initiative aims to remove barriers that too often force women to step away from competition during and after pregnancy. By offering direct financial assistance, the program supports a smoother transition back to training and competition for elite athletes balancing motherhood and sport.

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.

PITTSBURGH, PA — The USATF Foundation, in partnership with the USATF Masters Track & Field Committee, are excited to announce the launch of the Nationals Masters Travel Grant Program, a new initiative designed to expand access to national-level competition for Masters track and field athletes. 

The USATF Foundation Nationals Masters Travel Grants provide financial assistance to help eligible Masters athletes compete at the USATF National Indoor and Outdoor Championships. Grants are awarded based on financial need and are targeted toward athletes who have achieved a top 50 World Masters Ranking (WMR) within the past two years. 

The program aims to expand access to national-level competition and support talented athletes to continue to compete and inspire. By reducing financial barriers, the initiative empowers more Masters athletes to represent themselves at championship events across the country. 

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Masters Athlete: Must be competing in the USATF National Indoor or Outdoor Championships 

• Ranking: Must hold a Top 50 ranking on the World Masters Rankings (WMR) for their event 

• Financial Need: Must have an annual income below $50,000 (including Social Security); unemployed or retired athletes are especially encouraged to apply 

The USATF Masters Nationals Travel Grant Board will oversee all the applications, and will review and make recommendations on award decisions to the USATF Foundation. Grants of up to $500—and in exceptional cases, up to $1,000 (subject to board approval)—will be distributed annually to eligible athletes. 

Applications for the 2026 Nationals Masters Travel Grant Program are now open. For more information or to apply, visit our website.