16 Sep USATF Foundation Celebrates Sue McDonald’s World Record Assault with $5,000 Adopt an Athlete Masters Grant
PITTSBURGH-
The USATF Foundation is proud to announce that Masters track and field sensation Sue McDonald has been awarded a $5,000 Adopt an Athlete grant, in recognition of her record-breaking achievements in the sport.
When McDonald turned 60 in 2023, it seemed plausible that a world record or two would get broken. After all, entering a new age group for an elite Masters athlete opens doors to new possibilities. She currently holds 9 World Records. However, the breadth and depth of Sue’s assault on the record books has been staggering, as along the way she toppled world marks in the 400, 800, 1500, Pentathlon, Mile, Steeplechase, 300 Hurdles, and Heptathlon.
In recognition, Sue’s dominance in the sport has led her to win the 2023 USATF Masters Track & Field Athlete of the Year and the 2023 World Masters Athletics Female Athlete of the Year awards Competing across the globe in Poland, Canada, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Eugene, and at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championships in Sweden, Sue became World Champion in the 400m and 800m, setting championship records in both events in the W60 age division. Additionally, she was part of the gold-medal-winning W60 4x400m relay team that set a new American record.
Looking ahead to 2024, Sue is excited to continue her remarkable journey, with plans to further improve her world records at the USATF Masters Indoor Championships and the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Gainesville, FL, in March.
“This award from the USATF Foundation really helps to offset the expenses that come with pursuing so many medals and records across the world,” McDonald said. “I’m so grateful to be acknowledged. My family and I truly appreciate the support.”
Sue McDonald’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. In less than two years, her perseverance and talent have led her to set a new bar in Masters athletics, making history with every event. Her commitment continues to inspire athletes of all ages, proving that there are no limits to what can be achieved in sports at any stage of life.