“Do not donate. The athletes who need this money don’t see it.” Sha’Carri Richardson’s words from 2023 ring true now more than ever—especially when you look at the mess surrounding USATF’s prize money. It all started earlier this year, when rumors began circulating on February 18 that five high-ranking USATF staff members had left the organization in the past year. Since then, the speculation has only grown, turning USATF into a hot topic within the track and field community. The situation reached a boiling point when former athletes began speaking out, especially after seeing the low turnout at the USATF Indoor Championships due to mostly financial mismanagement.

But this kind of trouble has been brewing for years. USATF reported $5.6 million deficit in 2023, with revenues dropping from $37.94 million to $35.01 million, ultimately driving net assets to a concerning negative $4.49 million. Despite longstanding sponsorships, including Nike’s partnership since 1991, the organization’s financial future looks uncertain. Now, after the recent USATF Indoor Championships on February 24th, former athlete is speaking up.

Inflation devalues USATF prize money for athletes

Recently, Russell Dinkins, former middle-distance runner and current executive director at Tracksmith, took to X to share a post about the prize money at USATF events. He posted two images comparing the prize money from the 2017 and 2025 USATF Indoor Championships. In 2017, the prize for first place was $6,000, second place earned $4,000, and third place was awarded $2,500. The fourth and fifth positions received $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. Fast forward to 2025, and the prize money for the top five positions has remained the same, with no increase in payouts, even accounting for inflation.

Dinkins, who secured fourth place at the 2017 Indoor Championships, noted that despite eight years passing, athletes are still receiving the same amount of money. He expressed frustration, pointing out that the value of those prizes has significantly decreased when adjusted for inflation. “With inflation these athletes are receiving far less than we received in 2017,” he said. This revelation struck a nerve with fans, many of whom commented that the situation was “insane.“

 

Even Russell Dinkins also took to Instagram, sharing a story about the growing concerns surrounding USATF’s financial issues. He shared a screenshot “In comparison, looking at USATF’s 990 forms from 2015 to 2023, Siegel’s salary increased by 9.8%… from $1.063M to $1.168M… who knows what it is at now.”

The unnamed person in the story stated without expert analysis that a nonprofit organization the size of USATF should not have salaries that match its financial capacity. Dinkins shared the screenshot with the caption, “Others in the DMs are like, ‘WT* do lol,’” showing the frustration many feel about the situation. And it’s not just insiders—top track and field athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson  too have spoken out.

Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles speak out on USATF’s financial woes

This stagnant prize money is especially troubling considering that USATF is the governing body of track and field in the U.S. and should be advocating for its athletes. The sport already struggles with low viewership and minimal financial backing compared to others, so when USATF fails to increase prize money or improve its support, it sends a troubling message. Track and field athletes dedicate years of hard work, often with limited financial security, and when the organization responsible for overseeing the sport doesn’t adjust prize structures.

Back in 2023, Sha’Carri Richardson had little time to celebrate her victory in the women’s 100m event at the Budapest World Athletics Championships. While her win in Budapest silenced many critics, she had a much bigger issue to address. In December of that year, she turned her focus to the ongoing problem of low pay for track and field athletes registered under Team USA. Through an Instagram story, Richardson voiced her concerns, questioning how USATF and Team USA were allocating their funding and calling for a fairer solution. It was clear that Richardson wasn’t just aiming for personal success, but also fighting for the athletes who face financial struggles in a sport that demands so much.

At the end of the day, it’s clear that USATF needs to step up. Athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson shouldn’t be struggling with basic expenses while chasing their Olympic dreams. Change is needed—not just in prize money, but in creating a sustainable, athlete-first environment.

The post Brand Director Exposes Public Robbing of Sha’Carri Richardson & Co As Details on Harsh Pay Emerge After USATF Indoors appeared first on EssentiallySports.



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