United States wins Member Federation Award
USA Track & Field has been named as winner of the Member Federation Award, the fourth honour announced as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024.
The Member Federation Award recognises a Member Federation that has distinguished itself in its accomplishments throughout the year and, as a result, positively contributed to the growth and profile of the sport. Six federations were shortlisted for this year’s award, each nominated by one of the six area associations, before USA Track & Field was selected as the winner.
“On behalf of USA Track & Field, I am deeply honoured to accept the World Athletics Member Federation Award,” said USA Track & Field CEO Max Siegel. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication, talent and teamwork of our entire USA Track & Field family - our staff, our coaches, our athletes, members and volunteers who strive for excellence every day.”
The US team finished top of the medal table at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, securing 34 medals, 14 of them gold. Those gold medal-winning performances included world records by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the 400m hurdles and by the mixed 4x400m team. The team’s Olympic performance in Paris was driven by a diverse range of medals in sprints, jumps and throws.
The federation also showcased its strength on the field of play by achieving top spot on the medal tables at the World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24 and the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24. In Lima the team claimed 16 medals, including eight gold, and in Glasgow the team’s tally was 20 medals, six of them gold.
One of the key factors behind these successes has been the implementation of an athletics development programme that covers all categories and events. From youth to elite levels, USATF has created a structure that identifies, nurtures and supports talents across the country, providing athletes with access to quality coaching, high level facilities and opportunities to compete.
“2024 has been a truly remarkable year, filled with extraordinary achievements, personal bests and historic milestones on the global stage. I’m incredibly proud of the journey we have taken together at USATF, showcasing our dominance on the track and field, from the World U20 Championships to the Paris Olympic Games and the World Masters Championships,” added Siegel.
“But this award reflects not only our accomplishments on the field, but also the values that drive us as an organisation, including integrity, inclusivity, leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to being the gold standard in everything that we do.
“As we close out this unforgettable year, I’m confident that the momentum from 2024 will carry us into a thrilling 2025. In less than four years, the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring the world to our doorstep, providing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to elevate our sport and highlight the extraordinary talent of our athletes on home soil. USATF remains committed to advancing the sport, empowering the next generation of champions and leading with excellence.”
Further World Athletics Awards announcements will be made this weekend, with the World Athletes of the Year and Rising Stars being revealed on Sunday (1 December).
World Athletics
