PORTLAND, OR - Olympic finalist Brenda Taylor on Wednesday was named Visa Humanitarian Athlete of the Year by USA Track & Field. Taylor will receive her award at the 2004 Jesse Owens Awards and Xerox Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held in conjunction with the USATF Annual Meeting in Portland, Ore.

Taylor (Chula Vista, Calif.) enjoyed a big year on the track in 2004, improving her personal best in the 400m hurdles by more than 2 seconds to 53.36, placing second at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials and taking seventh at the Olympic Games in Athens. Off the track, the 2001 Harvard graduate made youth outreach a mission, working with more than 1,000 kids ages 7 through 18 as part of her "No Obstacles" program. Lucky to have supportive parents growing up, she knows that many children don't have the luxury of a cheering squad at home. Through "No Obstacles," Taylor teaches kids how to set long- and short- term goals ... and to achieve them.

"Being an athlete has given me some amazing opportunities," Taylor said, "and being able to reach out in my community makes this so much more than running in circles. Athletics has become even more fulfilling through the appreciation of others. Thank you to Visa for encouraging all athletes to get involved in their communities."

Taylor also works with local athletic teams to send the message that academic and athletic success go hand-in-hand, helping youth athletes to apply successful training strategies to academics.

While living at the ARCO Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., Taylor participated in the "Exercise the Dream" youth fitness outreach program; did motivational work for the San Diego Literacy Project; and took part in the Women's Sports Foundation's "GoGirlsGo" charity, which teaches young women discipline and self-esteem through exercise.

"Brenda stands out as a Team USA athlete and as a contributor to improving the lives of young people," USATF CEO Craig Masback said. "She sets an example for what it is to be an athlete whose vision lies beyond the field of play, into society as a whole. Brenda and others like her embody the vision and spirit of USATF athletes."

"As a long-standing partner of USA Track & Field, Visa is proud to recognize an athlete who excels in her sport and community," saidMichael Lynch,senior vice president, event and sponsorship marketing, Visa USA. "As Brendacontinues her Olympic journey, we hope the Visa Humanitarian of the Year Award inspires her toremainan incredible role model for our nation's youth."