USATF Foundation Launches “Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25”

EUGENE, OR – The USA Track & Field Foundation proudly announces the launch of Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25, the fourth installment of its groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate American hammer throwers to the top of the international podium. 

With the ambitious goal of achieving a historic medal sweep in both the men’s and women’s hammer throw at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the Foundation has unveiled a bold new incentive plan aimed at driving elite performance and deepening competition among U.S. throwers. 

This year, an incremental $10,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant will be awarded to each of the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s hammer throw competitions at the 2025 USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. These grants will be in addition to the USATF Foundation Stephen A. Schwarzman and Elite Development grants.  

Additional incremental OHS grants will be awarded as follows: 

• 4th Place: $7,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 5th Place: $6,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 6th Place: $5,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 7th Place: $4,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 
• 8th Place: $3,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant 

 “This expanded Operation Hammer Sweep grant program is designed to reward excellence and encourage a deep, fiercely competitive field,” said USATF Foundation Board Member, Olympian and former Oregon Duck Ken Flax, who assisted in the creation of the program. “Hammer throw has long been under-supported in the U.S., and we’re determined to change that.” 

Since its inception, Operation Hammer Sweep (OHS) has played a critical role in the resurgence of American hammer throwing on the global stage. Among its milestones: 

• Annette Echikunwoke, an OHS grant recipient, made history with her silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics—marking the first-ever Olympic medal for the U.S. in women’s hammer throw. 
• Rudy Winkler, also an OHS recipient, recently shattered the American Record in the men’s hammer throw, defeating the reigning Olympic and World Champion from Canada, and positioning himself as a leading contender for Tokyo. 

 With Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25, the Foundation is doubling down on its mission to support American throwers as they prepare to take on the world’s best. “Momentum is on our side,” said Flax. “This is a special moment in U.S. hammer history, and we’re just getting started.”