USATF Foundation Announces $100,000 Gift for Operation Hammer Sweep Grants

NEW YORK CITY — The USA Track & Field Foundation is proud to announce a $100,000 commitment through Operation Hammer Sweep to support the top eight finishers in both the men’s and women’s hammer throw competitions at the 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships. The championships will be held July 23–26, 2026, at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island in New York City.

The Hammer Sweep Grant awards will provide direct financial assistance to 16 American hammer throwers, the top eight men and top eight women, based on their finishes at the national championships. The initiative is designed to reward competitive excellence, provide meaningful financial assistance to elite athletes and strengthen the United States’ ability to contend for medals on the international stage.

Operation Hammer Sweep was created by two-time U.S. Olympian Ken Flax, together with longtime supporters John and Ellen, in partnership with the USA Track & Field Foundation. The program was established with an ambitious goal: to help American hammer throwers achieve sustained international success and ultimately place three U.S. athletes on the same championship podium.

“This $100,000 commitment reflects our continued belief in America’s hammer throwers,” said Flax. “The United States now has athletes capable of competing with the very best in the world. By providing grant support to the top eight men and women at our national championships, we are supporting not only today’s leaders, but also the athletes working to become our next Olympians, world championship finalists and medalists.”

Since its inception, Operation Hammer Sweep has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct support to American hammer throwers. The program has helped raise the profile of the event while creating additional financial incentives for athletes pursuing success in one of track and field’s most demanding disciplines.

Recent performances have demonstrated the growing strength of American hammer throwers. Operation Hammer Sweep grantee Annette Echikunwoke made history in Paris by becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in the hammer throw, earning silver. On the men’s side, fellow grantee and American record holder Rudy Winkler has established himself among the world’s leading throwers, defeating Olympic and World Champions in international competition.

“These athletes train year-round, often with limited financial support, while representing the United States at the highest level,” Flax said. “Operation Hammer Sweep is about recognizing that commitment and helping create an environment in which American hammer throwers can continue moving toward the podium.”

The 2026 initiative continues Operation Hammer Sweep’s mission of investing directly in athletes and building greater depth throughout the American hammer throw program. Award amounts and payment details will be provided to qualifying athletes following the completion of the men’s and women’s competitions.