02 Sep USATF Foundation Grantee Athletes Shine at Rio de Janeiro Summer Games
RIO DE JANEIRO – The atmosphere in Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro was electric for nine days as track & field took the stage for the world to see. Team USA showed they are a powerful force taking home 32 medals from the 2016 Summer Games. Assisting with that medal count were the 30 USATF Foundation grantees that competed in the games and fulfilled their dreams of being an Olympian.
“The level of performance by the U. S. track & field team as a whole and our individual grantees in particular was truly exceptional at the recent Olympics. We appreciate the rare blend of talent, dedication and discipline such an effort requires. We are pleased to have helped many of our grantees realize their lifelong dreams,” stated USATF Foundation Director Preston Johnson.
Seven individual Stephen Schwarzman grantees medaled at the Olympics taking home 9 medals in total:
- Ryan Crouser (Shot put) – Gold Medal
- Dalilah Muhammed (400 hurdles) – Gold Medal
- Jeff Henderson (Long Jump) – Gold Medal
- Tori Bowie (4x100m relay) – Gold Medal
- (100m) – Silver Medal
- (200m) – Bronze Medal
- Joe Kovacs (Shot put) – Silver Medal
- Nia Ali (100 hurdles) – Silver Medal
- Kristi Castlin (100 hurdles) – Bronze Medal
In addition to these outstanding performances were the 5 athletes qualifying for the final in their respective events:
- Boris Berian (800m)
- Benjamin Blankenship (1500m)
- Donn Cabral (Steeplechase)
- Amber Campbell (Hammer throw)
- Chantae Lowe (High Jump)
Also showing amazing stamina and strength were those competing in the race walks, endurance and multi-events that were highlighted by the following performances:
- Molly Huddle (10K) – 6th place / American Record
- Jeremy Taiwo (Decathlon) – 11th place
- Barbara Nwaba (Heptathlon) – 12th place
- Heather Miller-Koch (Heptathlon) – 18th place
- Maria Michita-Coffey (Race walk) – 22nd place
This year, $428,000 was donated to support elite track & field athletes from the USATF Foundation. The Elite Athlete Development Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track & field athletes. The Foundation provides assistance to athletes that meet its grant application criteria, including income thresholds and performance standards.