02 Jul USA Track & Field Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 39 Track & Field Athletes
PITTSBURGH – Over the past four months the track & field world has been hit hard by the reality of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Athletes who have committed their lives to the sport and make travel for competitions a lifestyle, have been stopped cold in their tracks. With the cancellation and postponement of major competitions, our Olympic hopefuls find themselves in a financial crisis.
The USA Track & Field Foundation has successfully supported athletes with training and living expenses over the past 14 years and this year the funding hits a new height of importance. 39 deserving athletes will receive grant funding in the amount of $5,000 each. These grants along with the 100 Stephen A. Schwarzman grants announced yesterday total $1,070,000 in giving to 139 elite Track & Field athletes.
“Honestly, I have never felt more vulnerable as a professional track athlete as I have this year amidst the postponement of the Olympic Games and improbability of our track season. Being awarded a grant from the USA Track & Field Foundation this year feels very different than receiving a grant in years prior because so much more is at stake. The USATF Foundation’s selfless giving truly solidifies how valuable and important the track and field community is to them both in times of triumph and adversity. Thank you!” exclaimed Olympian, Queen Harrison Claye.
“We listened closely to voices of the athletes,” said Board Member Jack Wickens. “They encouraged us to support as many athletes as possible and these awards to new pros, proven performers and athletes returning from injuries, across all events, reflects this.”
The 39 talented athletes to receive funding in the amount of $5,000 are:
| Abraham Alvarado | 800m |
| Alex Young | Hammer Throw |
| Ariana Ince | Javelin Throw |
| Ashtin Zamzow | Heptathlon |
| Brian Williams | Discus Throw |
| Brianna McNeal | 100m Hurdles |
| Chris Benard | Triple Jump |
| Curtis Thompson | Javelin Throw |
| Daniel Haugh | Hammer Throw |
| Darryl Sullivan | High Jump |
| Drew Windle | 800m |
| Emma Bates | Marathon |
| Eric Avila | 1500m |
| Gil Roberts | 400m |
| Hannah Fields | 1500m |
| Harrison Williams | Decathlon |
| Helen Schlactenhaufen | 1500m |
| Isaiah Moore | 110 Hurdles |
| Izaic Yorks | 1500m |
| Janeah Stewart | Hammer Throw |
| Janee’ Kassanavoid | Hammer Throw |
| Jessica Tonn | 10000m |
| Josh Awotunde | Shot Put |
| Kate Hall | Long Jump |
| Kayla White | 100m |
| Kyra Jefferson | 200m |
| Leah O’Connor | Steeplechase |
| Lexi Jacobus | Pole Vault |
| Marquis Dendy | Long Jump |
| Marvin Bracy | 100m |
| Quanesha Burks | Long Jump |
| Queen Harrison Claye | 100m Hurdles |
| Riley Masters | 5000m |
| Riley Dolezal | Javelin Throw |
| Sarah Pagano | 10000m |
| Scott Houston | Pole Vault |
| Tori Hoggard | Pole Vault |
| Travis Mahoney | Steeplechase |
| Trey Culver | High Jump |
Note: Gwen Berry (Hammer Throw) was awarded a 2020 Elite Athlete Grant in the amount of $5,000, but requested to be taken off the grant award list.