USATF Foundation Announces 2025 Elite Athlete Development Grant Award Winners

PITTSBURGH, PA — The USA Track & Field Foundation is excited to announce the 2025 Elite Athlete Development Grant award winners, a select group of athletes receiving targeted funding to advance their professional careers. This year, the Foundation is awarding a total of $750,000 to support track and field athletes pursuing excellence at the professional level, reflecting an exceptional commitment from the Foundation’s Board of Directors and donors.

The Elite Athlete Development program provides support for emerging and mid-career athletes, with an ongoing commitment to easing the financial demands of training and competing at the elite level.

“This year, we took a deliberate step forward in how we support our athletes, by recognizing that financial need is just as critical as performance when it comes to unlocking potential,” said Sarah Lesko, Chair of the Elite Grant Committee. “We’re proud to invest in athletes who not only inspire us with their results, but also show incredible resilience in pursuit of their goals. With Tokyo on the horizon and so much young talent rising, we’ve never been more excited for Team USA and the future of our sport.”

Elite Athlete grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. The Elite Athlete Development applications are carefully reviewed and determined by the USATF Foundation Elite Grant Committee, based on a combination of athletic performance, character references and an extra emphasis on financial need.

“I’m grateful and honored to be selected for an Elite Athlete Development Grant alongside a talented group of fellow athletes. The USATF Foundation has a strong history of supporting Team USA as we pursue wins, medals, and personal bests. As an athlete, you run your best when you’re at peace,” said Elite Athlete Development Grantee Reed Fischer. “The funds provided to athletes helps us focus less on our finances and more on our performance. Thanks to the support of the USATF Foundation, I’m confident the athletes of Team USA are heading into the Tokyo World Championships ready to put our best foot forward.”

The Elite Athlete Development program is dedicated to nurturing the development of track and field talent in the United States. They include both rising stars who are ready to make their mark on the professional circuit and experienced athletes working to refine their craft and achieve new milestones.

The following 45 athletes will receive USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Development Grants in the amount of $15,000 each:

Margot Appleton – 1500m

Adelaide Aquilla – Shot Put

Trevor Bassitt – 400H

Tanner Berg – Hammer

Johnny Brackins – Long Jump

Alexis Brown – Long Jump

Timara Chapman – Heptathlon

Malcolm Clemons – Long Jump

Jeremiah Davis – Long Jump

Annette Echikunwoke – Hammer

Reed Fischer – Marathon

Veronica Fraley – Discus

Jordan Geist – Shot Put

Nate Green – 1500m

Maddie Harris – Javelin

Bailey Hertenstein – 5k

Luke Houser – 1500m

Charity Hufnagel – High Jump

Destiny Huven – 100m Hurdles

Ciera Jackson – Discus

Allie Jones – Heptathlon

Brynn King – Pole Vault

Thomas Kitchell – Shot Put

Bailey Lear – 400m

KC Lightfoot – Pole Vault

Heather MacLean – 1500m

Jessica McClain – Marathon

Hakim McMorris – Decathlon

Marcellus Moore – 100m

Monae Nichols – Long Jump

Jadin O’Brien – Heptathlon

Justin Robinson – 400m

Yasin Sado – Steeplechase

Janeah Stewart – Hammer

Susanna Sullivan – Marathon

Jason Swarens – Shot Put

Demarius Smith – 400m

Max Thomas – 100m

Chloe Timberg – Pole Vault

Jayden Ulrich – Discus

Isaac Updike – Steeplechase

Marcus Weaver – Decathlon

Jessica Woodard – Shot Put

Jacob Wooten – Pole Vault

Clayton Young – Marathon

The following 15 athletes will receive USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Development Grants in the amount of $5,000 each:

CJ Allen – 400m Hurdles

Ronnie Baker – 100m

Tamara Clark – 100m

Freddie Crittenden – 110m Hurdles

Bryce Deadmon – 400m

Quanera Hayes – 400m

Alexis Holmes – 400m

Lynna Irby-Jackson – 400m

Jarrion Lawson – Long Jump

Miranda Melville – Race Walk

Chris Nilsen – Pole Vault

Jenna Prandini – 100m

Daniel Roberts – 110m Hurdles

Jacious Sears – 100m

Britton Wilson – 400m

Please Note: Additional USATF Foundation Adopt an Athlete grant awards will be announced in the coming weeks.