Jump Events Take Center Stage as USATF Foundation Awards First Jump to Glory Fund Grants

PITTSBURGH, PA – For decades, American jumpers defined greatness — soaring higher, flying farther, and standing atop podiums around the world. Now, a new generation is being fueled to carry that legacy forward.

The USATF Foundation has awarded the first grants from its newly established Jump to Glory Fund, a targeted initiative designed to elevate U.S. performances in the vertical and horizontal jump events. The grants provide $1,000 in supplemental funding to elite American athletes competing in the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault.

The Jump to Glory Fund was conceived by Foundation Board Member Henry Park, a former University of Chicago long jumper, and reflects a broader commitment among Foundation leadership to reinvest in jump disciplines that once defined U.S. dominance on the global stage.

“This inaugural year of the Jump to Glory Fund represents an important step in reinvesting in American jumpers and providing them with the support needed to return to the top of the podium,” says Henry Park. “We’re proud to support these athletes as they work toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”

Modeled after the Foundation’s highly successful John W James grants and Operation Hammer Sweep initiative, the Jump to Glory Fund addresses a critical need within the jump disciplines. Like throwers, jump athletes often face limited competitive opportunities, smaller prize purses, and high training and travel costs, making supplemental funding a meaningful difference-maker.

Former world-record holder and Foundation Board Member Willie Banks emphasized the importance of sustained institutional support for jump athletes. “As a former world-record holder in the triple jump, my passion and perspective lie deep in the art and athleticism of the jumps,” said Banks. “By building the Jump to Glory Fund within the USATF Foundation, we can reinvigorate depth and excellence in the horizontal and vertical events and restore America’s dominance in the field.”

The 30 recipients of the inaugural Jump to Glory grants include:

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the USATF Foundation for its support of jumpers in our pursuit of excellence. This fund will play a vital role in helping us return to the podium on the world stage,” said grant recipient Jarrion Lawson.

Each Jump to Glory Fund grantee receives $1,000 in supplemental support, awarded in addition to any existing Foundation Elite Athlete or Stephen A. Schwarzman grants.

The Jump to Glory Fund reflects the USATF Foundation’s broader mission to strategically invest in disciplines where targeted support can unlock world-class results. With dedicated Board leadership and athlete-centered funding, the Foundation aims to reignite American excellence in the jumps — one takeoff at a time!

To learn more or contribute to the Jump to Glory Fund, visit USATFFoundation.org.