11 Jul Eric Holt Joins Adopt an Athlete Program with Support from the USATF Foundation
PITTSBURGH, PA –
The USATF Foundation is proud to announce that middle-distance runner Eric Holt, who has recently made headlines with his outstanding performances, has been awarded two Adopt an Athlete grants. Thanks to the support of The Burgess Family Foundation and USATF Foundation Board Member Lisa Larson, Holt will receive two $10,000 grants totaling $20,000.
Holt, 29, from New York, embodies resilience and determination. After quitting his job, he moved back in with his parents, who cover his cellphone bill and provide him with a car for his lengthy commute to practice. Holt trains in any pair of running shoes he can get for free and babysits at his sister’s apartment for extra meal money, all to keep his expenses low and his training intensity high.
Despite never securing a lucrative shoe deal, Holt has invested everything into his dream. His story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering commitment.
Holt’s training schedule has been grueling, often centered around working the late shift at a psychiatric ward as a mental-health worker. He sometimes endures 13-hour shifts and then heads to practice. To save money, he followed his parents to Connecticut, facing a 90-minute one-way commute to practice in Westchester County.
Holt’s hard work and perseverance have paid off as the support from Larson and the Burgess Family will further enable Holt to focus on his training and hopefully achieve his goal of representing the United States in an Olympic Games or World Championships. Adding to his recent successes, Eric Holt is now a signed athlete with Puma.
“Thank you to the USATF Foundation and the Larson and Burgess families! Without these grants, I wouldn’t be able to chase my dreams and pursue them with the intent necessary to make the team one day! Thanks so much, this opens the doors to many opportunities,” said Holt.