Athlete Funding

The 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field funding policy is different from previous Olympic Trials. Funding is not based on qualifying standards. Athletes will receive funding to help defray their expenses if they have met one of the following criteria:

• An athlete who is ranked in the top 50 in the world, according to the 2003 IAAF Performance List as of 12/31/03, and who has met the Olympic Trials qualifying mark in the same event during the Olympic Trials qualifying period (January 1, 2003 - July 1, 2004) will receive $1,000. The athlete must compete in the Olympic Trials to receive funding. These athletes will receive funds prior to the start of their event, however, if an athlete decides not to compete in the Olympic Trials these funds must be returned to USATF. Notification of the method of funds distribution will be provided at a later date.
• The top 12 finishers at the Olympic Trials, not previously qualified for funding based on their 2003 performance, will receive $1,000. These athletes will receive their checks after drug test results from the Olympic Trials have been received and confirmed.
• Athletes whose entry into the Olympic Trials is based solely on the "automatic qualification" provision are not eligible to receive funding based on the automatic qualification unless they have also met the criteria listed above.

Olympic Trials Hardship Grant

In addition to the above, the Olympic Trials Hardship Grant has been implemented to assist athletes who obtain the Olympic Trials "A" standard and who may have financial difficulties that would jeopardize their ability to compete at the Olympic Trials. The grant works to ensure that these athletes are able to compete by offsetting some of their expenses to the 2004 Olympic Trials.

If you meet the following criteria you will be eligible to APPLY for the Olympic Trials Hardship Grant.

To be eligible for the grant, an athlete must:

• Have obtained the Olympic Trials "A" standard by June 25, 2004
• Have completed his/her entry into the 2004 Olympic Trials
• Be a member of USATF in good standing
• Be eligible to compete for the U.S. in international competition

The awards may be in the form of airline tickets, housing in the dormitories, or an allocation check ranging from $100 to $500.

Deadline: Applications are due by June 25th; any applications received after this date will not be considered.

Application: Download an application form (PDF)