19 Jul 2022 USATF Foundation Elite Grant Awards Announced–50 Elite Track & Field Athletes Awarded $8,000 Grants
The sport of track & field is in the spotlight this week with the 2022 World Athletics Championships being held on U.S. soil for the first time in Eugene, Oregon. Adding to this excitement, the USATF Foundation is thrilled to award $400,000 in financial support to emerging athletes who aim to compete on this international level. 50 athletes will receive awards in the amount of $8,000.
Pursuing a career as a professional track and field athlete is a challenging task and it is the Foundation’s mission to alleviate part of the stress and financial burden with these awards. This support allows athletes to prioritize their training and hopefully send them on a path to fulfill their potential. The funding is used on expenses such as travel, coaching, sports medicine and other costs associated with training for an Olympic Games or World Championships.
“I’m very grateful for the Foundation’s support. This grant is going to go a long way in my endeavors to make the next World and Olympic team, and continue to build my professional athletic career. Specifically with new training tools, lifting equipment and travel expenses. I appreciate all the USATF Foundation has done for me so far and hope to make everyone proud in the near future,” said USATF Foundation grantee Veronica Fraley, Discus Throw.
All USATF Foundation grants are awarded from a competitive pool of applicants. Elite athletes are encouraged to apply every year in April or May. The Elite Athlete Development grants are decided upon by the USATF Foundation Elite Grant Committee and criteria are based on athlete performance, monetary need, and a character reference.
“It is an honor to support such elite athletes, who are striving to represent the United States of America. Go Team USA!” exclaimed USATF Foundation Board Member Shaun Skeris.
The 50 elite athletes to receive funding in the amount of $8,000 are:
| Aaron Mallett | 110m |
| Alyssa Wilson | Hammer Throw |
| Anavia Battle | 200m |
| Annie Kunz | Heptathlon |
| Ariana Ince | Javelin Throw |
| Brian Williams | Discus Throw |
| Bridget Williams | Pole Vault |
| Clayton Fritsch | Pole Vault |
| Danielle Jones | 1500m |
| Darrell Hill | Shot Put |
| Elkanah Kibet | Marathon |
| Elly Henes | 5000m |
| Erica Bougard | Heptathlon |
| Fiona O’Keeffe | 5000m |
| Freddie Crittenden | 110m |
| Gabriele Cunningham | 100m |
| Gabrielle Jennings | Steeplechase |
| Harrison Williams | Decathlon |
| Helen Schlachtenhaufen | 1500m |
| Isaac Grimes | Long Jump |
| Jacob Wooten | Pole Vault |
| Javianne Oliver | 100m |
| Jessica Ramsey | Shot Put |
| Johnny Gregorek | 1500m |
| Kate Hall | Long Jump |
| Katie Rainsberger | Steeplechase |
| Kayla White | 100m/200m |
| Lindsay Flanagan | Marathon |
| Logan Blomquist | Hammer Throw |
| Maggie Malone | Javelin Throw |
| Marquis Dendy | Long Jump |
| Marybeth Sant-Price | 100m |
| Mason Ferlic | Steeplechase |
| Micaela DeGenero | 1500m |
| Michaela Meyer | 800m |
| Michelle Atherley | Heptathlon |
| Morgan Beadlescomb | 5000m |
| Nia Akins | 800m |
| Olivia Gruver | Pole Vault |
| Payton Otterdahl | Shot Put |
| Rachel Baxter | Pole Vault |
| Reggie Jagers III | Discus Throw |
| Robyn Stevens | Walk |
| Shadrack Kipchirchir | 10000m |
| Shania Collins | 100m/200m |
| Teahna Daniels | 100m |
| Trey Culver | High Jump |
| Valerie Constien | Steeplechase |
| Veronica Fraley | Discus Throw |
| Whittni Morgan | 5000m |