15 Aug USATF Foundation Awards 50 Elite Athlete Development Grants
PITTSBURGH –
Track and Field takes center stage this week as athletes from around the world gather in Budapest, Hungary for the highly anticipated 2023 World Athletics Championships. Amidst the excitement, the USATF Foundation is delighted to announce its annual commitment to supporting elite track and field athletes by awarding a total of $500,000 in financial aid to those aiming to compete at the professional and international level.
These awards, amounting to $10,000 each, mark a new level of support from the Foundation. The Foundation hopes to alleviate the stress and financial burdens that come with pursuing a career as a professional track and field athlete. By offering this essential support, the Foundation enables athletes to focus on their athletic pursuits and increase their chances of success on the global stage. The awarded funding is intended to cover various expenses associated with training for elite competitions including: travel, coaching, physical therapy, recovery, equipment and other costs related to preparations for the Olympic Games or World Championships.
“It is a privilege to play a part on the grant committee for the USA Track & Field Foundation. These athletes rank among the best in the world. They are stellar representatives of team USA both on and off the track or the field. The sacrifice and dedication to their athletic passion is an inspiration to us all. We are excited to see and support their achievements in the months and years to come,” stated USATF Foundation Board Member John Marsh.
All USATF Foundation grants are awarded through a competitive selection process. All elite athletes are encouraged to submit their application annually during the application period in May or June. The Elite Athlete Development grants are carefully reviewed and determined by the USATF Foundation Elite Grant Committee, with the selection criteria based on a combination of athletic performance, financial need, and character references.
The USATF Foundation is dedicated to cultivating and nurturing the development of track and field talent within the United States. It plays a pivotal role in empowering aspiring athletes to chase their dreams, excel at the highest level, and proudly represent their country on the international stage.
“For a couple of years of being unsponsored, it had been a struggle trying to balance the professional world and working a job. With the money, it can help me pay for living expenses, treatment, and any other things that can help me continue to perform my best stress-free,” stated USATF Foundation Grantee Jamal Britt.
The following 50 athletes will receive USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Development Grants in the amount of $10,000 each:
Aleia Hobbs – 100m
Alex Young – Hammer Throw
Allie Wilson – 800m
Annette Echikunwoke – Hammer Throw
Annie Kunz – Heptathlon
Brian Williams – Discus Throw
Chari Hawkins – Heptathlon
Chris Benard – Triple Jump
Conner Mantz – Marathon
Duncan Hamilton – Steeplechase
Dylan Jacobs – 5k/10k
Elena Bruckner – Discus Throw
Elija Godwin – 400m
Elly Henes – 5k/10k
Emily Grove – Pole Vault
Emily Mackay – 1500m
Emily Sisson – Marathon
Emily Venters – 5k/10k
Eric Edwards Jr. – 110m Hurdles
Eric Holt – 1500m
Ethan Dabbs – Javelin Throw
Fiona O’Keeffe – 5k / 10k
Gabriela Leon – Pole Vault
Gabrielle Jennings – Steeplechase
Heather MacLean – 1500m
Jacob Wooten – Pole Vault
Jamal Britt – 110m Hurdles
Jessica Woodard – Shot Put
Jordan Geist – Shot Put / Hammer Throw
Josephine Schaefer – Shot Put
Josette Andrews – 1500m / 5k
Kennedy Blackmon – 100m
Madison Boreman – Steeplechase
Maggie Malone – Javelin Throw
Makenzie Dunmore – 400m
Marvin Bracy-Williams – 100m
Matthew Boling – 200m/400m
Michael Cherry – 400m
Monae Nichols – Long Jump
Olin Hacker – 5k
Olivia Baker – 800m
Olivia Gruver – Pole Vault
Pjai Austin – 100m
Rachel Tanczos – Hammer Throw
Sam Prakel – 1500m
Steffin McCarter – Long Jump
Tonea Marshall – 100m Hurdles
Tripp Piperi – Shot Put
Whittni Morgan – 5k
William Williams – Long Jump