USA Track & Field, COO Renee Washington Honored by World Athletics

World Athletics has named USA Track & Field as the winner of its Member Federation Award and USATF Chief Operating Officer Renee Washington was awarded Woman of the Year from the international federation.

Washington received the honor in recognition of her work to promote the advancement of gender equity in athletics, including 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.

“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.

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. 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.

Washington manages USA Track & Field’s $40 million budget and 68-person national staff. She also sits on the board of the Indianapolis Chapter of WISE (Women in Sports and Events) and has served on 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.

The U.S. team finished atop the medal table at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, 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. USA Track & Field also led the medal tables at the World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24 and the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24.

“On behalf of USA Track & Field, I am deeply honored to accept the World Athletics Member Federation Award,” said Max Siegel, USA Track & Field chief executive officer. “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. … 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.”