INDIANAPOLIS - The USA Track & Field Foundation has presented an Elite Athlete Development Grant to Manteo Mitchell, Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today. As a result of this award, the Foundation has crested the $1,000,000 mark in total Elite Athlete grants issued since the program was founded in 2006. Both announcements were made at the Jesse Owens Awards Dinner as part of the USATF Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach, FL, December 1st.   

“It couldn't be more fitting that Manteo be the one to eclipse this milestone,” noted Jackovic. “He just wouldn't quit, which is the same attitude adopted by our other elite grantees.”

“I am very thankful for the USATF Foundation for all that they do for emerging athletes like myself,” said Manteo. “You are an influential part of my profession.”

Manteo won an Olympic silver medal as part of the men’s 4x400 meter relay in London this past summer. Incredibly, 200 meters into his opening leg of the qualifying round, he broke his fibula, but still managed to get the baton around, clocking 46.1 seconds. His grit and determination enabled Team USA to qualify for the Olympic final, where they subsequently finished in second place.

As a result of his Olympic performance, Mitchell was the recipient of the USATF Fan’s Choice Award for Inspirational Performance of the Year.

“To make the Olympic team is enough, to medal is great, but to be remembered for the greater things in life is what I am most proud of. All of the fame and attention does not matter to me one bit. I wanted to impact lives and the move that I made just so happened to inspire more than just a generation. I will continue to do that both on and off the track as I prove to the world that this is more than running; this is my profession!”

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 and from generous fans of track & field.

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.