20 Mar USATF Foundation awards Elite Athlete Development Grants to 31 athletes
INDIANAPOLIS – The USA Track & Field Foundation has presented Elite Athlete Development Grants to thirty-one athletes, Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today.
Over the past 6 years, the USATF Foundation has made over 300 Elite Athlete Development Grants to athletes of $1,500-$7,000 each, many of which have gone on to compete and medal at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Pan American Games and other international competitions.
In addition, the Foundation recently awarded John W. James Endowment Grants to 16 throwers and 9 athletes were recipients of an inaugural Stephen A. Schwarzman Elite Athlete Grant. Since the beginning of 2013, 56 grants have been issued to elite athletes, totaling $163,500.
Board member Jim Broadhurst noted, “Through the Foundation’s Elite Athlete Grant program, we are excited and proud to support these outstanding athletes who are pursuing their dreams to become world champions in their respective events and participate in the next Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.”
Athletes receiving $1500 grants include first time grantees:
- Becky Christenson (high jump)
- Don Cowart (3000m steeplechase)
- Antwon Hicks (110m hurdles)
- Ashley Higginson (3000m steeplechase)
- Chantae McMillan (heptathlon)
- Miranda Melville (race walk)
- Barbara Nwaba (heptathlon)
- Chanelle Price (800m)
- Jordan Scott (pole vault)
- April Sinkler (triple jump)
- Tyron Stewart (long jump)
- Ronald Taylor (long jump)
- Latavia Thomas (800m)
- Katherine Viuf (pole vault)
Repeat grantees receiving $1500 include:
- Kyle Alcorn (3000m steeplechase)
- Ben Bruce (3000m steeplechase)
- Becky Holliday (pole vault)
- Mark Hollis (pole vault)
- Nicole Leach (400m hurdles)
- Yvette Lewis (100m hurdles/triple jump)
- Inika McPherson (high jump)
- Keith Moffatt (high jump)
- Erica Moore (800m)
- Jamie Nieto (high jump)
- Mary Saxer (pole vault)
- Amanda Smock (triple jump)
- Bettie Wade (heptathlon)
- Latosha Wallace (400m hurdles)
- Tiffany Williams (400m hurdles)
- Mary Wineberg (400m)
- Blessing Ufodiama (triple jump)
The Foundation Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes. Athletes must meet minimum performance and financial need standards to be eligible.