02 Dec USATF Foundation Celebrates a Record-Breaking 2024
PITTSBURGH –
As 2024 winds down, the USA Track & Field Foundation is proud to reflect on a year marked by remarkable support and impactful initiatives. To date in 2024, the Foundation has surpassed over $4.1 million in grant awards to athletes, clubs, and events, cementing its leadership role in the sport and fulfilling its mission of raising money and giving it to athletes.
2024 was highlighted by the $2.65 million in Stephen A. Schwarzman grants that were awarded to 100 top elite athletes. Of these, 65 received $30,000 grants and 35 were awarded $20,000 grants, providing essential support for athletes competing on the world stage.
Another 60 athletes received $15,000 Elite Athlete Development grants, including 17 recent NCAA graduates transitioning to the professional level of track & field.
The summer shined on Team USA as Paris 2024 provided the ideal backdrop for Foundation Grantees to excel. USATF Foundation-supported athletes claimed 18 Gold, 13 Silver, and 7 Bronze medals, setting national and world records while making history. From podium finishes to powerful personal journeys, grantees exceeded all expectations on the world’s biggest stage!
This year also marked the debut of the Burgess Family Educational and Vocational Tuition Reimbursement Program. With support from the Burgess Family Foundation, this program offers educational support to elite athletes furthering their studies, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to athlete education and life beyond the track.
Continuing the Foundation’s support of athlete-mothers balancing competition and family, Maternity Grants were awarded to Abbey Cooper and Alli Cash, emphasizing their dedication to empowering athletes through every life stage
Operation Hammer Sweep Paris ‘24 provided a unique boost to the discipline by allocating $200,000 to 12 hammer throw athletes.
The Foundation doubled last year’s funding with $97,800 in Youth grants awarded to 43 youth clubs across the nation. The Foundation also awarded a second round of grants totaling $18,000 to designated outstanding clubs. The clubs provide essential resources to cultivate the next generation of track stars while promoting character building, education, physical fitness, and personal growth.
Highlighting additional support from the Burgess family, the first Dr. Donald Burgess Scholarship was awarded to Boston Public School students Adam Kramer and Bradon Spiess through the Emerging Elites club.
The USATF Foundation proudly supported the 2024 Penn Relays, contributing $12,000 to the event, $6,000 of which was disbursed to support elite athlete travel to the meet. During the meet, the Foundation recognized outstanding performances by naming Yared Nuguse and Sage Hurta-Klecker as the American Elite Athletes of the Meet, awarding them $3,000 each.
Cross-program engagement between Elite and Youth also reached new heights with Run With US! events featuring Elite athlete grantees such as Krissy Gear, Isaac Updike, Laulauga Tausaga-Collins and Annie Kunz. These elite athletes brought their expertise and experiences to local schools, igniting motivation and dreams among young athletes nationwide. Partnering with Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS), Olin Hacker and Abdihamid Nur celebrated and encouraged young athletes as they competed in their races.
On an unforgettable fall day in Utah, the Foundation celebrated the achievements of their Utah-based Olympians with a series of inspiring events, where grantees Conner Mantz, Grant Fisher, Courtney Wayment, Clayton Young, Kenneth Rooks, and Whittni Morgan, along with Olympians James Corrigan and Simone Plourde, enjoyed a day filled with motivation and recognition. The festivities began with a visit to Nibley Park Middle School, where Grant Fisher and James Corrigan shared their journeys, answered questions, and signed autographs for excited students. Next, they headed to the Utah High School State XC Championships, where James Corrigan presented medals and trophies to the outstanding young athletes. The day concluded with an exciting Utah Jazz game, where the Olympians were honored on the court for their remarkable performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It was a day that showcased the power of inspiration, community, and excellence within the sport!
Masters grants continued the Foundation’s tradition of supporting the sport at all levels with $25,000 in stipends awarded to athletes traveling to the World Masters Athletics Championships in Sweden. Additionally, Masters superstar Sue McDonald was awarded a $5,000 Adopt an Athlete grant in recognition of her record-breaking achievements in the sport.
The Foundation’s Social media engagement took a leap forward in 2024 as the USATF Foundation connected followers with track and field like never before. Fans enjoyed behind-the-scenes content, athlete interviews, and features on youth programming, bringing the sport to life in dynamic ways. A reel featuring the women’s Olympic Gold Medalist 4x100m team gained over 578,000 views and over 28,800 likes. Additionally, the Foundation was able to connect youth athletes with their track and field idols, Fred Kerley and Yaseen Abdulla.
The USATF Foundation thanks its Board of Directors, donors, athletes, and supporters for making 2024 a landmark year. As it looks toward the future, the Foundation remains committed to advancing USA Track & Field at every level, championing resilience, talent, and a legacy of excellence.