Stephen A. Schwarzman Pledges Additional $15 million to USATF Foundation in Support of Elite Track & Field Athletes

by Trixie | Jun 13, 2024 | News

NEW YORK – In an unprecedented show of support for Team USA athletes ahead of the 2024 Olympics, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world’s largest alternative investment firms, has pledged $15 million to the USATF Foundation over the next four years. This brings Mr. Schwarzman’s gifted and pledged support for the Foundation to nearly $30 million since 2013.

Schwarzman’s latest pledge is further evidence of his commitment to the country and the sport of track & field. Every year over the next Olympic cycle, 65 track & field athletes will be awarded $40,000 Stephen A. Schwarzman grants and 35 additional athletes will be awarded $30,000 Stephen A. Schwarzman grants. These award amounts are more than any other previous Foundation grants and represent the largest private support of Olympic hopefuls in the sport. Ten of these awards will be reserved for Next Generation Awardees who are recent graduates from NCAA track & field programs and have Olympic aspirations.

Stephen A. Schwarzman said, “From an early age, track and field taught me the value of sportsmanship, hard work and dedication – lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life. These athletes are an inspiration to so many in the country and I’m honored to help ensure they can share their talents on the world stage.”

Schwarzman’s support comes at a pivotal moment for Team USA as the Summer Games will return to U.S. soil in Los Angeles in 2028 after this year’s 2024 Summer Olympics take place in Paris. For most of the Stephen A Schwarzman grantees this direct financial support serves as their main source of income. The funds are used to live, train, and compete.

To complement Schwarzman’s gift, the USATF Foundation Board and major donors pledged to match his support with a $10 million dollar contribution. This combined $25 million in gifts and pledges over the next four years sets a new standard for USATF Foundation assistance.

“On behalf of the athletes, we owe Steve a tremendous amount of gratitude for his latest pledge. His generosity allows our athletes to train and compete while eliminating the fear of inadequate financial support,” stated USATF Foundation Chairman Bob Greifeld.

After the 2024 class of grants are awarded later this summer, the Foundation will have awarded 655 Stephen A. Schwarzman grants. The funding is used for athletes’ training expenses, cutting edge equipment, massage and recovery, travel expenses, health insurance, medical expenses, coaching, and family support at major events. These new grants will continue to provide our athletes with the best opportunity to medal when representing Team USA.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate the USATF Foundation and Stephen A. Schwarzman for their contribution to our sport. I received the Stephen A. Schwarzman grant award two years in a row, which has helped me during my track career. The grants allowed me to offset costs beneficial to my training, especially my recovery.  I not only made the 2022 and 2023 World Championship teams, but I was able to help Team USA win a gold medal in the 4x100m relay at both Championships,” stated Foundation Grantee Twanisha TeeTee Terry.

Olin Hacker visits Young Runners at Run With US! Healthy Kids Running Series

by Trixie | Jun 4, 2024 | News

FLAGSTAFF, AZ –

The Healthy Kids Running Series Flagstaff Club had a special visit from Professional Distance Runner Olin Hacker. Hacker shared his journey into the world of running, providing invaluable insights and encouragement to the young athletes.

“I had a great time at the Healthy Kids Running Series Run With US!. The kids were just out there to have fun and see how fast they could make their legs move, which is really what the sport is all about,” said Hacker.

During his visit, Hacker engaged with the kids, discussing the reasons he fell in love with running. In addition, Hacker actively participated in the event by pacing all the timed races, including the 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, and 1 mile runs.  His presence motivated the young athletes to push their limits and strive for their personal bests.

The Healthy Kids Running Series Flagstaff Club was thrilled to host Hacker, providing the participants with a memorable experience that will undoubtedly inspire their future athletic endeavors.

Isaac Updike Inspires Athletes at Perry High School Run With US! Event

by Trixie | May 16, 2024 | News

GILBERT, AZ –

Perry High School student athletes were treated to a day of motivation and athleticism as they welcomed professional steeplechaser and USATF Foundation grantee, Isaac Updike to their Run With US! event.

The event kicked off with an energizing speech from Updike, who shared his experiences balancing two sports, soccer and cross country, the importance of recovery, and the joy of training in Flagstaff. Updike emphasized the significance of self-improvement and goal setting, encouraging students to strive for their personal best

“You’ve already done the work. There is no need to stress about something you’ve already done. All the reps you’ve done, miles and sprints you’ve run – all that preparation has made you ready for this week,” said Updike. “You go in, have fun with it, and you put yourself in a position to race smart, and you’ll run well.”

The Run With US! event at Perry High School exemplifies the power of sports to inspire and empower youth.

USATF Foundation Awards Maternity Grant to Alli Cash

by Trixie | Apr 8, 2024 | News

PITTSBURGH, PA –

In a continued effort to recognize the dedication and determination of athlete-mothers, the USATF Foundation is pleased to announce a $5,000 Maternity Grant to standout athlete Alli Cash.  Cash is a former University of Oregon star and embodies the spirit of resilience and excellence both on and off the track.

Cash is expecting her first child in May 2024. Despite the challenges posed by pregnancy, Cash remains dedicated to maintaining her rigorous training regimen while navigating the physical demands of maternity.

“I am grateful for the support from the USATF Foundation for this Maternity Grant. Motherhood deserves to be celebrated. We have faced years of challenges and lack of support in the past. There is still a long way to go, but this grant is a much-appreciated start to recognizing the need for change and additional support of women within our sport,” exclaims Alli Cash.

Cash’s athletic journey is marked by perseverance and achievement. In college Cash was a five-time First Team All-American, competing in 10 out of 12 NCAA Championships in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track seasons. Despite facing setbacks, including a significant injury in 2022, she has consistently demonstrated her resilience and commitment to her sport. Cash’s accomplishments include multiple appearances at prestigious competitions, such as the USATF Indoor and Outdoor Championships, where she showcased her remarkable talent in events ranging from the 800m to the 5,000m.

“I believe my best days in running are still ahead of me,” says Cash. “Women shouldn’t have to choose motherhood over athletics or just generally a career, and I want my daughter to grow up knowing this.”

The Maternity Grant will assist Cash in covering essential expenses related to medical care, childcare, and physical therapy during pregnancy and postpartum. By providing financial support, the USATF Foundation empowers Cash to focus on her physical and emotional well-being while preparing for the next chapter of her athletic career.

USATF Foundation Announces 43 Youth Club Grant Recipients

by Trixie | Apr 4, 2024 | News

PITTSBURGH, PA –

The USA Track & Field Foundation is thrilled to announce $79,800 has been awarded to 43 youth clubs across the country, doubling the amount of grant funds that were awarded to clubs in 2023.

With this year’s grants, The USATF Foundation remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of track and field stars, fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity within the youth athletics community. Committed to directly empowering young athletes, the Foundation’s mission is to amplify competitive opportunities and foster the aspirations of future Olympians.

“We are excited to support a record number of youth track and field clubs across the country this year,” says Youth Committee Chair Therese Wichmann. “These grants provide essential resources and opportunities for youth athletes to pursue their sport and fuel their passion for track and field.”

In response to an overwhelming number of applications, the USATF Foundation has seen a record-breaking increase in submissions for this year’s grants, highlighting the growing need for financial support within the youth athletics community. The grants aim to alleviate the financial burdens faced by youth athletes, covering essential expenses such as equipment, travel costs, meet entry fees, and uniforms.

“We pride ourselves on providing an equitable experience for the youth of Baltimore. Economic disparities should never limit youth’s access to opportunities that maximize their potential. The USATF Foundation has strengthened this area of our mission. We are so grateful,” says Coach Ramon Valentine of the Baltimore City White Knights Track Club.

The USATF Foundation also continues their partnership with Running Warehouse which will benefit all the 43 clubs. This partnership extends significant discounts to grant recipients on purchases of uniforms, warm-ups, and general gear via runningwarehouse.com. In addition, Running Warehouse has integrated a donation option for customers at checkout to donate to USATF Foundation, with all proceeds going directly toward supporting this Youth Grant program.

These 43 clubs will be receiving a USATF Foundation Youth Grant Award:

The USATF Foundation plans to provide additional funding opportunities for some of the 43 clubs based on involvement with the Foundation and demonstrating potential growth in club participation over the next six months.