INDIANAPOLIS - Up and coming women's hammer thrower Loree Smith has been named a recipient of a USA Track & Field Foundation Elite Athlete Grant. USATF Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic made the announcement on Thursday.

The Foundation Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes. Athletes must meet minimum performance standards and compete in financially under-supported events.

A three-time Mountain West Conference hammer throw champion while at Colorado State University, in her senior year Loree Smith won the 2005 NCAA title and finished fourth that year at the USA Outdoor Championships in Carson, California, where she threw 67.12 meters/220 feet, 2 inches on her final throw.

As a collegiate junior in 2004, Smith finished ninth at the Olympic Trials and won the women's hammer gold medal the North American-Central American Championships. Smith placed fourth at the 2006 AT&T USA Outdoor Championships in Indianapolis with a best throw of 67.18 meters/220 feet, 5 inches.

"I'm grateful to the USATF Foundation for choosing me to receive this grant," Smith said. "Please know this gift is greatly appreciated and will make a difference in this athlete's career. I've always felt that I have the tools needed to be an Olympic medalist, and the USATF Foundation's generosity contributes greatly towards that goal."

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs in a variety of areas, most notably providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends on donations from its board of directors and from generous fans of track & field.

The Foundation assists people of all ages, all walks of life, and all ability levels in finding enjoyment and accomplishment and achieving fitness through our inclusive sport.

For more information on the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit: ')