A tenth of a second or just a centimeter can mean the difference between gold, silver, or no medal at all.

Often times, these margins can be decided by purely economic reasons. Since the margin of victory is usually minute, an innovative training program or an additional competitive opportunity can make all the difference. You will share in the Olympic journey by giving an elite athlete the resources necessary to be competitive on the grandest of all stages, the Olympic Games. You may select the particular event in which you choose to sponsor an athlete.

Specifically, your contribution will help cover the following expenses directly associated with Olympic training:

  • Top-level coaching
  • Domestic & international competitions
  • Training expenses (room & board)
  • Health insurance
  • Modern equipment & facilities

On an even more personal level, your gift will impact the day-to-day life of an Olympian-in-training. Elite American athletes frequently put their careers on hold to live the Olympic dream. This can mean part-time jobs and sacrificing time with family and friends. Your gift provides financial stability and lessens the stress of funding training expenses.

“My personal experience with the Adopt an Athlete program and getting to know the family that supports me has far exceeded my expectations.  This year was particularly challenging for me as I dealt with a few setbacks and injuries.  The recovery process has been lengthy, but I’m moving in the right direction now. The additional financial support I received from the Foundation was extremely helpful, as many of my treatments were not covered by insurance and were quite expensive. While I am extremely grateful for the financial support, I love the nature of the grant and how it allowed me to meet a wonderful family.”

Middle Distance runner Stephanie Schappert of the New Jersey New York Track Club

Gratitude From Our Elite Athletes

  • WOW! Thank you for the recognition, I’m truly grateful and honored. Thanks for always supporting me and making sure I never lack in my training. This is an extra motivation for me to work hard and bring home a Gold medal at the next Olympics. Again I’m very very grateful.

    Paul Chelimo - 5000m

  • I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to be a recipient of this year’s grant awards, it will definitely go a long way to help me get healthy and stay healthy while pursuing my Olympic dreams. You all are doing wonderful things in supporting athlete’s and making our lives easier. Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity and some financial freedom.

    Aliphine Tuliamuk - Marathon

  • Thank you so much to everyone on the Board of Directors and those who donate to the USATF Foundation! For athletes like me, these grants are a blessing, they make chasing my dream of winning an Olympic Gold medal a reality. Words can't describe how grateful I am! Thank you, again!

    Sean Donnelly – Hammer Throw

  • To everyone that is involved with the USATF Foundation I just want to say thank you. I thank you for taking the time to process and go through the many different stories of all the athlete submissions. Thank you for choosing me, I’m greatly appreciative. Being an unsponsored athlete in this sport has to be the greatest struggle - being that we’re supposed to be in this professional realm; which doesn’t feel too professional at times for the majority of us. This is going to elevate my training, career and create an impact on another level. Again, thank you for choosing me, and being a part of my journey!

    Omar Craddock - Triple Jump

  • I fully support the USATF Foundation. The additional revenue generated by the Foundation will help expand existing programs and create innovative new ones. Additionally, the Foundation will assist athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams. Please join me in growing the sport of track & field by making your gift today.

    Jackie Joyner-Kersee - Heptathlon

  • Thank you for supporting my career and journey as a professional Track & Field athlete, as I represent our country. The grant I received will definitely help me get the necessary treatment my body needs to continue to perform at a high level. It is an honor and I will make sure to make you guys proud.

    TJ Holmes – 400m Hurdles

Want to help our foundation support elite athletes?

DONATE Today >

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.