USATF Foundation Reflects on a Historic 2025 of Investment, Impact, and Excellence

PITTSBURGH, PA — As 2026 begins, the USA Track & Field Foundation proudly reflects on a year defined by exceptional support, competitive excellence, and meaningful impact across various levels of the sport. In its 20th year of awarding financial assistance to Olympic-hopeful track and field athletes, the Foundation continued its mission of raising money and giving it directly to athletes, strengthening the pipeline from youth athletes to elite athletes to master’s athletes. 

In 2025, the Foundation awarded $3.65 million in Stephen A. Schwarzman Grants to 100 of the nation’s top elite athletes. 65 athletes received $40,000 grants, while an additional 35 athletes were awarded $30,000 grants, marking one of the most substantial years of elite athlete investment in Foundation history. Complementing this support, the Foundation awarded a total of $750,000 in Elite Athlete Development Grants. 45 athletes received $15,000 grants, and 15 athletes received $5,000 grants, supporting professional athletes as they continue to work towards chasing their dreams.

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo showcased extraordinary performances by Team USA, highlighted by 1 world record, 9 area records, 9 championship records, and 62 national records across the weeklong competition. USATF Foundation grantees earned a combined 23 gold, 9 silver and 4 bronze medals.  

The Foundation’s commitment to youth development continued to grow in 2025, with $102,550 awarded to 46 youth clubs across the country. These grants support programs that foster athletic development, character building, education, and personal growth. 

Elite athlete engagement with youth clubs continued to grow through Run With US! events, including appearances by Jess McClain, Parker Valby, Emily Mackay, Abdihamid Nur, Krissy Gear, Caleb Dean, Raevyn Rogers, Alaysha Johnson, and Samirah Moody. By connecting elite athletes directly with youth clubs, the Foundation continues to make professional track and field success feel tangible and attainable to kids that have dreams of competing collegiately or for Team USA.  

The Foundation continued its leadership in supporting athlete-mothers by awarding $25,000 in Maternity Grants to Tristin Colley, Whittni Morgan, Betsy Saina, Elle St. Pierre, Amy Davis-Green, and Marisa Howard.  

In partnership with the USATF Masters Track & Field Committee, the Foundation launched the Nationals Masters Travel Grant Program, a new initiative designed to expand access to national-level competition for Masters athletes. The program provides financial assistance to help eligible athletes compete at the USATF National Indoor and Outdoor Championships, reducing financial barriers and enabling more athletes to continue competing and inspiring across generations. 

The Foundation was also proud to reveal 3 new grant programs in 2025. The Michael Venning Hammer Grant was awarded to Emma Robbins, with an aim to help an aspiring NCAA graduate make a start in the professional world of track & field while also honoring Michael Venning. Similarly, the first Dirk Rohloff 800m/1500m Grant was awarded to Abel Teffra in an effort to carry on the love and pride Rohloff had for the middle distance events.  Lastly, the Jump to Glory Fund was created to support both vertical and horizontal jump events, which are typically limited in competition and prize money opportunities. Inaugural grants for this program are set to be awarded in 2026.

The USATF Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to its Board of Directors, donors, athletes, and supporters for making 2025 a year of extraordinary impact. As the Foundation looks toward the future, it remains committed to supporting USA Track & Field at every level.