RUNNING USA – Elite Athlete Grant Recipients Excel at USA Outdoor National Championships

INDIANAPOLIS – The USA Track & Field Foundation is pleased to announce that a total of 20 Elite Athlete Grant recipients (13 women & 7 men) have either won gold, silver or bronze medals at the recently completed 2013 USA Outdoor National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, announced Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld.

The Championships served as the Team USA selection for the upcoming IAAF World Championships being held in Moscow this summer. Many of the grantee athletes listed below currently have the qualifying IAAF standard for their respective events. Those athletes without the qualifying standard will have until July 20, 2013, to achieve their marks.
 
Jackovic noted, "The USATF Foundation congratulates all grantees that made the National team! We look forward to their performances in Moscow."

The following athletes have won gold, silver or bronze medals at the 2013 USA Outdoor National Championships:
 
WOMEN

• Amanda Bingson (hammer throw) – 1^st Place
• Ashley Higginson (3000 meter steeplechase) – 2^nd Place 
• Becky Holliday (pole vault) – 3^rd Place
• Molly Huddle (5000 meters) – 2^nd Place
• Kylie Hutson (pole vault) – 2^nd Place
• Brenda Martinez (800 meters) – 2^nd Place
• Miranda Melville (20,000 meter race walk) – 3^rd Place
• Inika McPherson (high jump) – 2^nd Place
• Alysia Montano (800 meters) – 1^st Place
• Kara Patterson (javelin throw) – 3^rd Place
• Tori Polk (long jump) – 2^nd Place
• Amanda Smock (triple jump) – 3^rd Place
• Bettie Wade (heptathlon) – 2^nd Place

MEN

• Lance Brooks (discus throw) – 1^st Place
• Dan Huling (3000 meter steeplechase) – 2^nd Place
• Dusty Jonas (high jump) – 2^nd Place
• A.G. Kruger (hammer throw) – 1^st Place
• David Oliver (110 meter hurdles) – 2^nd Place
• Ronald Taylor (long jump) – 3^rd Place
• Russ Winger (discus throw) – 2^nd Place

 Additionally, Run With US! mentors Ashton Eaton (decathlon), Leo Manzano (1500 meters), Queen Harrison (100 meters) and Ryan Wilson (110 meter hurdles) have also placed in the top 3 of their respective events, and have already achieved, or will be chasing the standard.

Athletes with a secured spot on Team USA also include mentors Carmelita Jeter (100 meters), Lashinda Demus (400 meter hurdles) and Jason Richardson (110 meter hurdles), by virtue of being either a defending World Championship or Diamond League Champion.

Competitors with near-miss 4^th place finishes included athletes:

• Cory Martin (shot put)
• Mary Saxer (pole vault)
• 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.
 
The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, distance training centers and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts and from generous fans of track & field.
                     
Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring & jobs) and participation in Run With US! (www.rwus-now.org).

Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit www.usatffoundation.org

RUNNING USA 

 Source: USATF Foundation Date: July 3, 2013