13 Mar The USATF Foundation — Crucial Athlete Lifeline
As Freddie Crittenden prepared for his first World Championships in 2023, financial uncertainty loomed over his career. Despite earning his spot among the world’s best hurdlers, the economic realities of professional track and field left him questioning his future.
That changed when he received a $30,000 grant from the USATF Foundation. “It was a huge weight off my shoulders,” Crittenden shared, describing how the funding allowed him to focus on his performance rather than financial strain.
“The Foundation grant helps me survive in this space when there are long periods of time when money is not coming in,” Crittenden says. “The support and energy that they gave me, it really made me think it was worth it and that maybe I would have a little bit more time in the sport. I belong here. That gave me the motivation to say that I can keep doing this.”
The USATF Foundation has been a vital resource for elite track and field athletes, awarding over $4.1 million in 2024 alone. From Schwarzman grants to development and travel support, the Foundation ensures that top-tier athletes can continue training and competing at the highest level.
Crittenden’s success exemplifies the impact of these grants. With support from the Foundation, he went on to win the U.S. indoor 60m hurdles title, place fourth at Worlds, and qualify for his first Olympic Games. Now sponsored by adidas, he credits the Foundation for helping him stay in the sport when it mattered most.
The Foundation remains committed to supporting elite athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams, ensuring financial barriers do not stand in the way of success.
This story was originally published by Track & Field News and written by Rich Sands. Read the full article here.