INDIANAPOLIS -- The USA Track & Field Foundation is reaching new heights in 2015 with a record $374,000 in financial support awarded to elite track & field athletes. The list is highlighted by the Stephen Schwarzman Endowment Grantees, many of whom are 2016 Rio Games medal contenders.

In all, the Foundation awarded 45 Elite Athlete Development Grants in the first round, announced Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld.

The Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track & field athletes. The USA Track & Field Foundation supports elite athletes as they strive to achieve their dream of competing in an Olympic Games, a World Championship or other Team USA competitions. The Foundation provides assistance to athletes that meet its grant application criteria, including income thresholds and performance standards.

“With the World Championships and the Olympics on the horizon our donors generously made available a record amount of dollars, allowing us to support more athletes than ever before,” exclaimed USATF Foundation Director Jack Wickens.

At the top of their class are the Stephen Schwarzman Endowment grantees that are recognized for their success on an international level and for having excellent potential to be in medal contention in the Rio Summer Games in 2016. The 10 athletes receiving this award are:

The dedicated athletes to be awarded Elite Athlete Development Grants are the following 34 individuals:

Also receiving an Elite Athlete Development Grant is the first athlete to participate in USATF Foundation’s Adopt an Athlete Program. Turquoise Thompson was recognized for her potential and has $10,000 in dedicated funds for support in her pursuit leading up to the next Olympic Games thanks to a generous donor.

Combined with Wednesday’s announcement of 23 John W. James Endowment grantees, the USA Track & Field Foundation has awarded a record total of $374,000 to 68 athletes thus far in 2015.

Additionally, these athletes will have the opportunity to appear at various elementary and middle schools across the country in the USA Track & Field Foundation’s Run With US! program. In each Run With US! event, Olympic athletes coach students on Track & Field skills and exercise drills. The program provides an opportunity for the Elite athletes and Olympians to give back to their community.

The USA Track & Field Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & 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 and jobs) and participation in Run With US! (www.runwithus.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 or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tom.jackovic@usatf.org.