A former SIU Track and Field standout who jumped onto the world stage at last summer's Olympic Games is getting financial help in her training for upcoming competitions.
Deanna Price is one of 55 American athletes to earn grants from the USA Track and Field Foundation. Price says she will receive five thousand dollars, money that's vital for professional track and field athletes like herself who have to work part-time jobs to make ends meet.
"What the USATF Foundation does is it gives us that chance to have a cushion to help with rent, to help with food, help with travel."
Price finished 8th in the hammer throw at the Summer Olympics in Rio. The 2016 SIU graduate was a two-time NCAA champion and she currently owns the American collegiate record in the event.
Another former Saluki hammer thrower, Gwen Berry, also received a five thousand dollar grant from the USA Track and Field Foundation.
Price and Berry are training for the world championships this summer in London.
