HELP ISAIAH GET TO THE OLYMPICS

Isaiahs Bio:

I am Isaiah Rogers, a dedicated track and field athlete specializing in the hammer throw, and I'm on a quest to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. I have spent my whole life in Smyrna, Georgia, progressing through King Springs, Griffin Middle, and Campbell High School.

My journey in track and field began at the age of seven, but it was in high school, starting in 2012, that I fully committed to the sport. During my high school years, I achieved remarkable success. I won a USA Track and Field National Title in the shot put, shattered a fifty-year-old state record in the same event, and in 2015, I proudly represented Team USA at the World Youth Games in Cali, Colombia, and the National Scholastic Invitational in Havana, Cuba.

My high school performances earned me the prestigious 2016 Gatorade National Player of the Year award and recognition from the Georgia House of Representatives and State Senate with House Resolution 1394, presented by Representatives Evans, Golick, Wilkerson, and Smith, along with Senate Resolution 854, presented by Senator Tate of the 38th.

After graduating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, I am now in my final semester at Kennesaw State University, working towards my Master's degree. Last year, I completed my final season with the Kennesaw State Owls, achieving a historic victory by securing KSU's first NCAA Division I National Title in the Weight Throw, the indoor counterpart of the hammer throw.

This achievement was particularly meaningful as it followed a challenging period where I overcame a season-ending pectoral injury that required surgery and a six-month recovery.

My performance last year was encouraging, but I am already surpassing those results in my current training, indicating a strong potential to qualify for the USA Olympic team. Last year, I ranked within the top eight hammer throwers in the USA, and with only three athletes making it to the Olympic venue, I am more determined than ever to secure my place on the team.

Navigating the path to the Olympics is a complex and demanding endeavor. It demands not only unwavering training and dedication but also a robust support system. Initially, I hoped to receive support through USA Track and Field's development program, which promised up to $6,000 in travel reimbursements. However, during the selection process, my name was unexpectedly passed over in favor of an older athlete, deemed to have a higher “potential upside.”

This unforeseen turn of events means that, up to this point, I have had to rely on self-funding. Balancing my training with part-time work, I strive to make ends meet each week. The financial demands are significant, encompassing specialized training equipment, coaching fees, travel expenses for competitions, nutritional needs, and medical support. Each of these elements is crucial in shaping an athlete's journey to Olympic success.

This is where I humbly ask for your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in my journey. It will help cover essential training expenses and allow me to focus entirely on honing my skills and achieving peak performance. To those who choose to support me, know that you are not just funding an athlete; you are fueling a dream and becoming a part of a journey that transcends the sport. Every bit of assistance brings me a step closer to representing our country on the world stage and to one day bringing back a medal that we can all be proud of.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Isaiah K. Rogers

Any donation made to Isaiah’s GoFundMe will be entered to win Casting TaylorMade (Casting™) Merchandise. The raffle will be drawn within the next couple of weeks. Winner will be notified via phone or email. Once you have submitted your donation to Isaiah’s Journey, be sure to visit this link to submit your raffle entry: RAFFLE ENTRY LINK