by usatffadmin | Aug 7, 2025 | News
EUGENE, OR –
Team USA’s track and field team is known as one of the most competitive in the world. The 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships lived up to that reputation, with exciting elite competition as athletes battled for national titles and spots on the World Championship team. From record-breaking throws to show-stopping sprints, the meet was a powerful reminder of the depth, talent, and dominance of American track and field.
One of the weekend’s biggest standouts was Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who made history by completing the sprint sweep—winning both the 100m and 200m national titles. Her 100m victory in 10.65 seconds was not only the fastest time in the world this year, but also the fifth fastest performance in history. She followed it up with a 200m win in 21.84 seconds, becoming the first American woman since 2003 to sweep both events at the U.S. Championships.
Adding to the historic weekend, Kyle Garland broke through in the decathlon, winning his first outdoor national title with a stunning 8,869-point performance. This score ranks No. 3 on the all-time U.S. list and No. 10 in world history.
Several athletes added to their growing list of national titles with dominant performances. In the hammer throw, Rudy Winkler captured his fifth national title, launching 81.47m to further solidify his legacy as one of America’s greatest in the event. Tara Davis-Woodhall secured her third consecutive national title in the long jump with a world-leading mark of 7.12 meters. Valarie Allman broke the meet record in the discus with a massive 71.45m throw and winning her 7th national title.
In the hurdles, Masai Russell defended her 100m hurdles title, breaking her own meet record crossing the finish line in 12.22 seconds. She now owns two of the seven fastest times in history in the event.
Aleia Hobbs returned to top form with a 10.92 seconds performance in the 100m, placing third and earning her first U.S. team spot in three years.
On the distance side, Nico Young claimed the 10,000m national title in 29:02.12, then returned to take third in the 5,000m with a time of 13:27.05, showcasing his range and competitiveness. Middle-distance star Nikki Hiltz claimed their sixth consecutive 1500m title (indoor/outdoor combined), running a strategic and confident 4:03.15 to seal the win.
On the field, Reggie Jagers dominated the men’s discus, winning with a throw of 66.85m—the only thrower in the field to surpass 66 meters, which he did twice, in rounds three and six. It marks his second national title and first since 2018.
With world leads, historic marks, and national pride on full display, the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships set the stage for a thrilling season as Team USA heads toward Tokyo for World Championships.
by usatffadmin | Jul 29, 2025 | News
EUGENE, OR – The USA Track & Field Foundation proudly announces the launch of Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25, the fourth installment of its groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate American hammer throwers to the top of the international podium.
With the ambitious goal of achieving a historic medal sweep in both the men’s and women’s hammer throw at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the Foundation has unveiled a bold new incentive plan aimed at driving elite performance and deepening competition among U.S. throwers.
This year, an incremental $10,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant will be awarded to each of the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s hammer throw competitions at the 2025 USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. These grants will be in addition to the USATF Foundation Stephen A. Schwarzman and Elite Development grants.
Additional incremental OHS grants will be awarded as follows:
- 4th Place: $7,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant
- 5th Place: $6,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant
- 6th Place: $5,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant
- 7th Place: $4,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant
- 8th Place: $3,000 USATF Foundation Operation Hammer Sweep grant
“This expanded Operation Hammer Sweep grant program is designed to reward excellence and encourage a deep, fiercely competitive field,” said USATF Foundation Board Member, Olympian and former Oregon Duck Ken Flax, who assisted in the creation of the program. “Hammer throw has long been under-supported in the U.S., and we’re determined to change that.”
Since its inception, Operation Hammer Sweep (OHS) has played a critical role in the resurgence of American hammer throwing on the global stage. Among its milestones:
- Annette Echikunwoke, an OHS grant recipient, made history with her silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics—marking the first-ever Olympic medal for the U.S. in women’s hammer throw.
- Rudy Winkler, also an OHS recipient, recently shattered the American Record in the men’s hammer throw, defeating the reigning Olympic and World Champion from Canada, and positioning himself as a leading contender for Tokyo.
With Operation Hammer Sweep: Tokyo ’25, the Foundation is doubling down on its mission to support American throwers as they prepare to take on the world’s best. “Momentum is on our side,” said Flax. “This is a special moment in U.S. hammer history, and we’re just getting started.”
by usatffadmin | Jun 24, 2025 | News
PITTSBURGH – The USA Track & Field Foundation proudly announces that Olympian Marisa Howard has been awarded a second Maternity Grant, marking a historic first for the Foundation. Howard, a 3000m steeplechase standout and expecting mother of one, becomes the first athlete to receive this grant twice—an achievement that highlights both her resilience as a mother and her continued excellence on the track. Howard was first awarded a Maternity Grant in 2022 while pregnant with her now 3-year-old son. She went on to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the 3000m steeplechase after a thrilling third-place finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where she clocked a 15-second personal best of 9:07.14—a time that ranks 5th on the U.S. All-Time List. In Paris, Howard competed in Round 1, Heat 3 of the steeplechase, placing seventh with a time of 9:24.78.
“Honestly, the Foundation has been such a huge part of my life for the past five years,” said Howard. “Since I was awarded my first grant in 2021, they’ve really funded my career. I don’t have a shoe sponsor, and every time I get one of these grants I’m just in shock, in disbelief, and in awe that they’re willing to invest this much money into American athletes. I’m very, very thankful and forever grateful.”
The USATF Foundation’s Maternity Grant program is designed to support elite female athletes during and after pregnancy, helping cover expenses as they return to competition. Howard’s second grant reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting motherhood and athletic excellence simultaneously.
Looking ahead, Howard is eager to return to training and competition post-pregnancy. “The goal is to get back on the world stage as soon as I can. We’re tentatively looking at January or February for a return race. Since there’s no World Championships for the steeplechase next summer, I might get to dabble in the 5K or the 1500. But the long-term goal is definitely L.A. 2028!”
Howard also shared advice for other women pursuing both elite sport and family: “There’s so much gratification in doing both things that you love at the same time. I didn’t know how much I would love motherhood until I actually had a child. It’s my favorite thing in the world! Now that I have a three-year-old that says, ‘Mommy, I love you,’ there’s just nothing better than snuggling your little children and I’m very thankful that I’m able to pursue both passions at the same time.”
The USATF Foundation is proud to support Marisa as she embarks on this next chapter, blazing a trail for mother-athletes and proving that family and greatness can go hand in hand.
by Trixie | May 23, 2025 | News
PITTSBURGH – Tara Davis-Woodhall brings unmatched personality and energy to the sport of track and field. With a large social media following outside of track, all it takes is one look at her profile, and you’ll not only be impressed by her athletic ability, but you’ll also be hooked by her fun and friendly personality.
Something you might be surprised to learn about Tara — AKA: America’s Cowgirl and the 2024 Paris Olympics long jump gold medal winner — is that she is only 5’3”. Something else you might be surprised to learn is that Tara is a plant mom, she loves a good box combo from Raising Canes, and she is perpetually on the hunt for the world’s best chocolate chip cookie and has to try one in every city she visits. With no shortage of interesting hobbies and passions, Tara Davis-Woodhall is a strong advocate for the future of track and field, her family and, of course, fun.
Self-care Practices and (relatable) Guilty Pleasures
With a successful social media career on top of a decorated professional Track & Field career, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between rigor and relaxation. Tara’s self-care go-to’s include journaling often, therapy, and hanging out at home with her husband, two dogs and cat. Tara laughed and added to the list of self-care habits that she “loves a good bubble bath.” She also owns over 40 houseplants and takes care of her own atrium, which helps her unwind and keeps her mind off other things. “I’m a plant mom,” she said. “I love to plant things.”
Tara also has some very relatable guilty pleasures. She said, “I love a good box combo from Raising Canes: no slaw, extra fries.” Recently, she’s been watching the Bachelor, and she laughed again when she said that she just loves a good “bed-rotting” moment. Additionally, whenever Tara travels, she is always searching for the world’s best chocolate chip cookie. Out of all the places she’s been so far, Tara said the best one she’s had had been in San Diego of all places, followed by New York.
All of this helps her stay in the moment, which is something she emphasizes no matter where she is. “If it’s at the track, it’s in that moment. If it’s at home, it’s in that moment.” Doing track for so long, Tara has managed to find the perfect balance between her work, training, and rest, although being the great athlete she is, she said track is never much of a stressor because of her love and passion for the sport.
Music and Mental Health
Tara listens to a lot of music. More specifically, an artist she loves is Billie Eilish. When asked why, she said, “I like that she talks about mental health in her songs a lot.” This is important to Tara, who is passionate about sharing her story and being a role-model for others to look up to because, Tara said, “I never had anyone in my sport with [stories about mental health], so I could never relate to anyone. I want to try and be that person.” Building up others to not only be strong athletes physically but mentally is so important and is easily overlooked. Tara’s personality and passion for track and mental health advocacy make her a great pillar of what a well-rounded athlete is.
Family and Friends
Tara Davis-Woodhall is surrounded by family and friends who push her to achieve everything she puts her mind to. “Family is everything,” she said. When asked who some of the most influential people in her life were, Tara immediately said that her husband, Hunter, is her ride or die and everyday training partner. As a gold-medal Paralympian himself, Tara acknowledged the unique gift it is to be able to train with her partner every day. “He inspires everything I dream of, and he’s working harder than ever to get to that moment,” Tara gushed. Both Tara and Hunter have amassed a significant social media following and share their training and daily lives with their followers, inspiring them through sport and fun content.
Additionally, Tara nurtures her relationships with her family by calling them almost every day and bringing them along in everything she does. “Whether it’s going to an event in Florida or going to Vegas for a weekend and spoiling them,” Tara said she does this because she wouldn’t be where she is without her friends and family who have always pushed her to pursue her dreams. Her dad especially was her first coach, from the day she was born until she was around 20, and Tara loves to give back to those who gave so much to her in any way she can.
Ambition and Vision for the Future
Tara Davis-Woodhall is a young athlete with undoubtedly many years of continued success ahead of her. Her vision for the next five years alone is evidence of that. Tara said, “The next five years are wild. I want to change the sport; I want more viewership.” Broadly, Tara desires to contribute to the movement for greater accessibility to watching the sport of track and field. She also hopes to bring more visibility to the Paralympics and Paralympian athletes. And, she is definitely a huge part in growing awareness and viewership for these things, especially with her social media accounts which, in the next five years, she hopes to be able to continue to build her social media empire. Personally, Tara of course has her eyes on making the Olympic team again and winning a world championship. Casually but with every ounce of intention, she said she also hopes to “break a world record maybe, that would be fun.”
At the end of the day, Tara has a vibrant personality and unwavering support system that help her achieve her ambitious and selfless goals. From mental health advocacy to her vision for changing her sport with more visibility and viewership, America’s Cowgirl is making waves on the track winning gold and paving the way for a new era of track and field, smiling and having fun through it all.
Written by Parker Neumeier, Journalism and Political Science student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison
by Trixie | May 16, 2025 | News
PITTSBURGH –
The USA Track & Field Foundation is thrilled to announce sprinter Jacory Patterson has been awarded an Adopt an Athlete Grant, made possible through funding from the Burgess Family Foundation.
Patterson is coming off an excellent indoor season, where he earned bronze in the 400m at the 2024 World Indoor Championships and helped secure gold for Team USA in the 4x400m relay. His success has continued outdoors, most recently clocking a world-leading time of 43.98 seconds in the 400m at the Miami Grand Slam.
Despite these world-class performances, Patterson remains unsponsored and supports himself by working overnight shifts loading trucks at UPS—a reality that makes his achievements even more remarkable. Patterson’s situation is precisely what the Foundation’s Adopt an Athlete program was designed for.
USATF Foundation Director John Burgess stated, “With the help of the USATF Foundation we are thrilled to support Jacory as he continues to pursue his athletic dreams.”
“This grant gives me the opportunity to supply my needs—treatment, recovery, groceries, gas—all the things that help me be the best athlete I can be,” Patterson said. “It gives me more comfort financially to not have to worry about making ends meet.”
Patterson shared that he has often had to skip recovery tools or training enhancements due to cost. “I want to do Pilates, the cold flush tank—just little things that help, especially because I’m working at night, so my body is tired. I already do massages and acupuncture, but I’m always trying to find what works best for my body. This grant allows me to try new things to take care of myself properly,” Patterson explained.
The 24-year-old sprinter also spoke about the deep personal motivation that keeps him going. “Growing up, a core lesson I’ve been taught is to never quit and to persevere. I feel in my heart that it’s not time to give up track yet. I’ve always wanted to be able to support my family. That’s one of my number one goals in life—without them I wouldn’t even be here, so I just want to be able to repay them.”
Looking ahead, Patterson’s sights are set on continued progress in the 2025 outdoor season. “My number one goal is to stay healthy, and this grant will help me do that by letting me invest in my body and recovery. I’ve never made an outdoor team—I made an indoor team, but not outdoor. I’ve never even made the finals [at nationals], so that’s a huge goal for me this year,” he said. “The outdoor season so far has been good, and I’ve just been using it as confidence and momentum to keep the ball rolling. That’s been my saying this year: keep the ball rolling.”
The USATF Foundation’s Adopt an Athlete program, supported by individuals and families like the Burgess Family Foundation, provides financial assistance to Olympic hopefuls who are training at an elite level but lack sponsorship and resources.
Patterson’s story is a powerful example of dedication, grit, and raw talent. The USATF Foundation is proud to support his journey and help ease the burden so he can turn his focus completely to training and his goals.
by Trixie | Apr 17, 2025 | News
PITTSBURGH –
The USATF Foundation continues to bridge the gap between aspiring young athletes and the sport’s top talent through its Run With US! program—hosting meaningful in-person visits at youth club practices across the country.
Most recently, Stephen A. Schwarzman Grantees and Olympians Parker Valby and Emily Mackay, alongside USATF Foundation Board Member and Youth Committee Chair Therese Hammerschmith, visited Youth Enrichment Services (YES) in Boston, MA. The visit marked the club’s first spring track and field practice of the season and was a celebration of YES receiving its 2025 Youth Club Grant award.
During the visit, Parker and Emily engaged with the young athletes, offering motivational words, sharing their own journeys in track and field, and even participating in practice drills.
“We are grateful to receive grant funding from the USATF Foundation to directly support YES’s Track & Field Program. Funds will help sustain this running program which is provided free-of-charge to 400 Boston youth every year,” said Bryan Van Dorpe, Executive Director of Youth Enrichment Services (YES). “YES’s Track & Field Program introduces young people to the basics of track and field, educates them about the benefits and excitement of the sport, and inspires them to develop a lifelong appreciation and respect of running as well as opening the doors to competitive opportunities. It is incredible to have these role models here, really to tell their story, how they developed their sport, and how they love their sport.”
In addition to this visit the 2024 Youth Club Grantee Duncanville Tigers welcomed Olympic hurdler and Stephen A. Schwarzman grantee Alaysha Johnson to their practice. Alaysha shared motivational insights, answered questions from the athletes, and helped coach hurdle technique during the practice.
“As elite athletes, we have the opportunity not only to inspire, but to help create a tangible path for the youth,” said Alaysha Johnson. “It’s important that we share our journeys and experiences firsthand to help guide our communities. During my visit, I was able to speak about the role community has played in my own life and give the athletes, coaches and parents some important tools to help them navigate the future.”
These visits emphasize the importance of connecting aspiring young athletes with elite professionals. The Foundation hopes to build character, community, and a lasting love for the sport.
More Foundation Grantee visits are on the horizon. Upcoming appearances include:
- Caleb Dean visiting East Orlando Track Club in Florida
- Tamara Clark visiting Capital Texas Heat
- Raevyn Rogers visiting M.P. Striders Youth Track Club
Written by Parker Neumeier, Journalism and Political Science student at the University of Wisconsin- Madison
