USATF Foundation awards $625,000 in Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Funds

USATF Foundation awards $625,000 in Stephen A. Schwarzman Grant Funds

NEW YORK CITY – In two weeks athletes from across the nation will band together with pride to represent Team USA at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, England.  In preparation for this momentous event, the USATF Foundation announced 25 Stephen A. Schwarzman grant awards in the amount of $25,000 to members of Team USA today, announced Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld.

Earlier this year, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, became the largest individual donor to the USATF Foundation and made an unprecedented $2.5 million donation in support of elite track & field athletes. The gift is meant to provide financial support to the most promising track & field athletes as they train for the World Championships and Olympic Games.

“I’m proud to support these world-class athletes so that they have the opportunity to compete at the highest level and do our country proud. They represent the best the United States has to offer and are people of tremendous drive and determination. As a devoted follower of the sport and former track and field athlete myself, I’m excited to see all that they achieve as they go for the gold at the World Championships and the Olympics,” stated Stephen A. Schwarzman.

As athletes are gearing up for their trip to London to compete at the highest level, they know the world will be watching.  The stakes are high and the pressure is on as they attempt to realize their dream of becoming a World Champion.  Along with the stress of competing often comes the financial burden the athletes must undertake to make their dream a reality.  These grant funds can be used to ease the stress of expenses of coaching, training, equipment, medical treatment, recovery, and travel.  These grant funds will dramatically affect the athletes’ ability to compete and allow them to focus on winning medals.

The grant amount awarded to these elite athletes is $25,000, which marks a record high in giving for an individual USATF Foundation elite grant.  The USATF Foundation has always focused on providing financial aid to athletes with a lower income threshold, but with this generous gift from Stephen A. Schwarzman, the Foundation is able to support athletes at a new level.

The 25 talented athletes to receive funding in the amount of $25,000 each are:

Nia Ali100m Hurdles
Chris BenardTriple Jump
Gwen BerryHammer Throw
Erica BougardHeptathlon
Hillary BorSteeplechase
Daniella BunchShot Put
Michelle CarterShot Put
Paul Chelimo5000m
Will ClayeTriple Jump
Ryan CrouserShot Put
Vashti CunninghamHigh Jump
Kendra Harrison100m Hurdles
Quanera Hayes400m
Sam KendricksPole Vault
Joe KovacsShot Put
Shamier Little400m Hurdles
Charlene Lipsey800m
Christina Manning100m Hurdles
Dalilah Muhammed400m Hurdles
Bryshon Nellum4x400m Relay
Deanna PriceHammer Throw
Michael Stigler400m Hurdles
Ameer Webb200m
Kendell WilliamsHeptathlon
Drew Windle800m


The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.