USA Track & Field Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 39 Track & Field Athletes

USA Track & Field Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 39 Track & Field Athletes

PITTSBURGH – Over the past four months the track & field world has been hit hard by the reality of the Covid-19 global pandemic.  Athletes who have committed their lives to the sport and make travel for competitions a lifestyle, have been stopped cold in their tracks. With the cancellation and postponement of major competitions, our Olympic hopefuls find themselves in a financial crisis.

The USA Track & Field Foundation has successfully supported athletes with training and living expenses over the past 14 years and this year the funding hits a new height of importance.  39 deserving athletes will receive grant funding in the amount of $5,000 each.  These grants along with the 100 Stephen A. Schwarzman grants announced yesterday total $1,070,000 in giving to 139 elite Track & Field athletes.

“Honestly, I have never felt more vulnerable as a professional track athlete as I have this year amidst the postponement of the Olympic Games and improbability of our track season. Being awarded a grant from the USA Track & Field Foundation this year feels very different than receiving a grant in years prior because so much more is at stake. The USATF Foundation’s selfless giving truly solidifies how valuable and important the track and field community is to them both in times of triumph and adversity. Thank you!” exclaimed Olympian, Queen Harrison Claye.

“We listened closely to voices of the athletes,” said Board Member Jack Wickens. “They encouraged us to support as many athletes as possible and these awards to new pros, proven performers and athletes returning from injuries, across all events, reflects this.”

The 39 talented athletes to receive funding in the amount of $5,000 are:

Abraham Alvarado 800m
Alex Young Hammer Throw
Ariana Ince Javelin Throw
Ashtin Zamzow Heptathlon
Brian Williams Discus Throw
Brianna McNeal 100m Hurdles
Chris Benard Triple Jump
Curtis Thompson Javelin Throw
Daniel Haugh Hammer Throw
Darryl Sullivan High Jump
Drew Windle 800m
Emma Bates Marathon
Eric Avila 1500m
Gil Roberts 400m
Hannah Fields 1500m
Harrison Williams Decathlon
Helen Schlactenhaufen 1500m
Isaiah Moore 110 Hurdles
Izaic Yorks 1500m
Janeah Stewart Hammer Throw
Janee’ Kassanavoid Hammer Throw
Jessica Tonn 10000m
Josh Awotunde Shot Put
Kate Hall Long Jump
Kayla White 100m
Kyra Jefferson 200m
Leah O’Connor Steeplechase
Lexi Jacobus Pole Vault
Marquis Dendy Long Jump
Marvin Bracy 100m
Quanesha Burks Long Jump
Queen Harrison Claye 100m Hurdles
Riley Masters 5000m
Riley Dolezal Javelin Throw
Sarah Pagano 10000m
Scott Houston Pole Vault
Tori Hoggard Pole Vault
Travis Mahoney Steeplechase
Trey Culver High Jump

Note:  Gwen Berry (Hammer Throw) was awarded a 2020 Elite Athlete Grant in the amount of $5,000, but requested to be taken off the grant award list.



The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.