Renee Washington
Renee Washington has been named Woman of the Year as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024.
Washington receives the honour in recognition of the work she has done to promote the advancement of gender equity in athletics, particularly in her role as chief operating officer at USA Track & Field (USATF).
Her achievements include pioneering new USATF initiatives for women and mothers in the sport. With a goal of removing barriers to competition for all athletes, she spearheaded a partnership with period product supplier August to provide menstrual hygiene products for athletes.
Washington has also implemented expanded maternity support for track and field athletes and championed increased benefits including medical expense reimbursements, competitive opportunities support, funding to attend events and coaching stipends.
In her role at USATF, Washington manages the organisation's record $40 million budget and 68-person national staff. Alongside the USATF CEO, she spearheads a mentorship group to support elite athletes for life after their sports careers end, by providing them with the necessary tools to successfully transition info life after sport. She also sits on the board of the Indianapolis Chapter of WISE (Women in Sports and Events) and participates in panel discussion on topics impacting women and young professionals in the workforce.
Under her guidance and leadership at the national governing body, Washington has strived to provide childcare stipends and support at USATF competitions, so women do not need to choose between their family and their career.
Alongside her work at USATF, Washington has served on various boards and working groups addressing key issues affecting international sport, including the World Athletics Women’s Committee and the USOPC Council for Racial and Social Justice. She is a member of the World Athletics Executive Board Remuneration Committee, with gender equity being a primary focus.
Washington has been a guest on the Business Case for Women’s Sports podcast to discuss how USATF addresses gender equity and supports female athletes. She also featured in Diverse Representation’s National Black Women in Sports Day, which celebrates black women in the sports industry and advocates for greater representation.
“I am deeply humbled and incredibly honoured to accept the World Athletics Woman of the Year Award,” said Washington. “2024 has been an unforgettable year for our sport, filled with groundbreaking achievements and historic moments from the grassroots to the elite level. I am so proud to be acknowledged for the work I get to do each and every day at USA Track & Field.
“To me, this award symbolises the power of intentional leadership – leadership that ensures everyone, regardless of their background or position, is seen, heard, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. I am so energised by what lies ahead for our sport. Together, we are creating a future where athletics is not only a platform for competition, but a powerful force for representation and inspiration. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported and championed me throughout this journey.”
The Woman of the Year Award is the second honour announced as part of the World Athletics Awards 2024. 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
