EUGENE, OR – A former Princeton track & field captain, U.S. Olympic Trials competitor, and accomplished entrepreneur, Omar L. Simmons has joined the USA Track & Field Foundation Board of Directors, announced USATF Foundation Chairman Bob Greifeld and CEO Tom Jackovic.

Simmons is the Founder and Managing Partner of Exaltare Capital Management, a consumer-focused holding company with a diverse portfolio of multi-unit and franchise businesses. He previously founded and led ECP-PF, one of the largest Planet Fitness franchisees in the country, expanding operations from 15 to over 100 locations before selling a controlling stake in 2021.

A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School,Simmons’ achievements extend well beyond the boardroom. A former captain of Princeton’s track & field team, he held the school’s 800m record with a time of 1:47.41 until 2021, earned multiple All-Ivy honors, and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Trials. Simmons credits the discipline, consistency, and growth mindset he developed as an athlete for his continued success in business and life.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Simmons is deeply committed to community impact. Together with his wife, Raynya, he co-founded the Franchise Ascension Initiative, which works to expand franchise ownership opportunities for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities. He also supports organizations dedicated to the Arts, Christian ministries, and socio-economic mobility.

“Omar is a perfect fit for the USATF Foundation board given his background in the sport and his experience in the business world.  We are excited to welcome him to our Foundation family.” said USATF Foundation CEO Tom Jackovic.

EUGENE, OR –

Team USA’s track and field team is known as one of the most competitive in the world. The 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships lived up to that reputation, with exciting elite competition as athletes battled for national titles and spots on the World Championship team. From record-breaking throws to show-stopping sprints, the meet was a powerful reminder of the depth, talent, and dominance of American track and field.

One of the weekend’s biggest standouts was Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who made history by completing the sprint sweep—winning both the 100m and 200m national titles. Her 100m victory in 10.65 seconds was not only the fastest time in the world this year, but also the fifth fastest performance in history. She followed it up with a 200m win in 21.84 seconds, becoming the first American woman since 2003 to sweep both events at the U.S. Championships.

Adding to the historic weekend, Kyle Garland broke through in the decathlon, winning his first outdoor national title with a stunning 8,869-point performance. This score ranks No. 3 on the all-time U.S. list and No. 10 in world history.

Several athletes added to their growing list of national titles with dominant performances. In the hammer throw, Rudy Winkler captured his fifth national title, launching 81.47m to further solidify his legacy as one of America’s greatest in the event. Tara Davis-Woodhall secured her third consecutive national title in the long jump with a world-leading mark of 7.12 meters. Valarie Allman broke the meet record in the discus with a massive 71.45m throw and winning her 7^th national title.

In the hurdles, Masai Russell defended her 100m hurdles title, breaking her own meet record crossing the finish line in 12.22 seconds. She now owns two of the seven fastest times in history in the event.

Aleia Hobbs returned to top form with a 10.92 seconds performance in the 100m, placing third and earning her first U.S. team spot in three years.

On the distance side, Nico Young claimed the 10,000m national title in 29:02.12, then returned to take third in the 5,000m with a time of 13:27.05, showcasing his range and competitiveness. Middle-distance star Nikki Hiltz claimed their sixth consecutive 1500m title (indoor/outdoor combined), running a strategic and confident 4:03.15 to seal the win.

On the field, Reggie Jagers dominated the men’s discus, winning with a throw of 66.85m—the only thrower in the field to surpass 66 meters, which he did twice, in rounds three and six. It marks his second national title and first since 2018.

With world leads, historic marks, and national pride on full display, the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships set the stage for a thrilling season as Team USA heads toward Tokyo for World Championships.

EUGENE, OR – The USA Track & Field Foundation proudly announces the launch of Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25, the fourth installment of its groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate American hammer throwers to the top of the international podium. 

With the ambitious goal of achieving a historic medal sweep in both the men’s and women’s hammer throw at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the Foundation has unveiled a bold new incentive plan aimed at driving elite performance and deepening competition among U.S. throwers. 

This year, an incremental $10,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant will be awarded to each of the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s hammer throw competitions at the 2025 USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. These grants will be in addition to the USATF Foundation Stephen A. Schwarzman and Elite Development grants.  

Additional incremental OHS grants will be awarded as follows: 

• 4th Place: $7,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 5th Place: $6,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 6th Place: $5,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 7th Place: $4,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 8th Place: $3,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 

 “This expanded Operation Hammer Sweep grant program is designed to reward excellence and encourage a deep, fiercely competitive field,” said USATF Foundation Board Member, Olympian and former Oregon Duck Ken Flax, who assisted in the creation of the program. “Hammer throw has long been under-supported in the U.S., and we’re determined to change that.” 

Since its inception, Operation Hammer Sweep (OHS) has played a critical role in the resurgence of American hammer throwing on the global stage. Among its milestones: 

• Annette Echikunwoke, an OHS grant recipient, made history with her silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics—marking the first-ever Olympic medal for the U.S. in women’s hammer throw. 
• Rudy Winkler, also an OHS recipient, recently shattered the American Record in the men’s hammer throw, defeating the reigning Olympic and World Champion from Canada, and positioning himself as a leading contender for Tokyo. 

 With Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25, the Foundation is doubling down on its mission to support American throwers as they prepare to take on the world’s best. “Momentum is on our side,” said Flax. “This is a special moment in U.S. hammer history, and we’re just getting started.” 

PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation proudly announces that Olympian Marisa Howard has been awarded a second Maternity Grant, marking a historic first for the Foundation. Howard, a 3000m steeplechase standout and expecting mother of one, becomes the first athlete to receive this grant twice—an achievement that highlights both her resilience as a mother and her continued excellence on the track. Howard was first awarded a Maternity Grant in 2022 while pregnant with her now 3-year-old son. She went on to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the 3000m steeplechase after a thrilling third-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where she clocked a 15-second personal best of 9:07.14—a time that ranks 5th on the U.S. All-Time List. In Paris, Howard competed in Round 1, Heat 3 of the steeplechase, placing seventh with a time of 9:24.78. 

“Honestly, the Foundation has been such a huge part of my life for the past five years,” said Howard. “Since I was awarded my first grant in 2021, they’ve really funded my career. I don’t have a shoe sponsor, and every time I get one of these grants I’m just in shock, in disbelief, and in awe that they’re willing to invest this much money into American athletes. I’m very, very thankful and forever grateful.” 

The USATF Foundation’s Maternity Grant program is designed to support elite female athletes during and after pregnancy, helping cover expenses as they return to competition. Howard’s second grant reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting motherhood and athletic excellence simultaneously. 

Looking ahead, Howard is eager to return to training and competition post-pregnancy. “The goal is to get back on the world stage as soon as I can. We’re tentatively looking at January or February for a return race. Since there’s no World Championships for the steeplechase next summer, I might get to dabble in the 5K or the 1500. But the long-term goal is definitely L.A. 2028!” 

Howard also shared advice for other women pursuing both elite sport and family: “There’s so much gratification in doing both things that you love at the same time. I didn’t know how much I would love motherhood until I actually had a child. It’s my favorite thing in the world! Now that I have a three-year-old that says, ‘Mommy, I love you,’ there’s just nothing better than snuggling your little children and I’m very thankful that I’m able to pursue both passions at the same time.” 

The USATF Foundation is proud to support Marisa as she embarks on this next chapter, blazing a trail for mother-athletes and proving that family and greatness can go hand in hand.