USA Track & Field – News – USATF Statement on recent athlete issues

We have supported and been involved with the TFAA since the early days of its inception. We have provided financial and administrative support for its predecessor, the PAA (Professional Athletes Association) and helped them run their own track event. USATF also offered seed money to help the TFAA get off the ground.

We share the mutual goals of maximizing revenue opportunities for athletes and growing the sport. In the last few years USATF has doubled prize money for athletes, arranged for free medical care through our partner, St Vincent Sports Performance, began an athlete licensing program to directly generate revenue to athletes, and brought on two new partners, among many other athlete programs.

To make substantive change within the sport, fully understanding governance structure is essential. The athletes who comprise the AAC and TFAA are the very people who set our bylaws that govern the competitions from which they gain their livelihoods. USATF has appointed a working group to look at the specific events taking place in Albuquerque, and athletes will and must be part of that.