Hello, I am Sonja Friend-Uhl, a lifelong competitive runner, track & field athlete, fitness instructor and coach.

I have been given a remarkable opportunity to represent our country at the 2024 WMA (World Masters Athletics), Outdoor Track & Field World Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, and I am seeking financial assistance to help make this dream a reality.

As most of you are aware, I am a dedicated athlete and coach that has strived to be a resource of help and inspiration to as many as possible in our community and beyond. I have been competing in track and field events since the age of 9, beginning with AAU and USATF youth teams and competitions.

My most notable achievements throughout my many years of competing have included the following: I was a scholarship, record-setting runner at the College of William and Mary, a member of six (6) U.S. Open world teams, 2 Masters (WMA) world teams, and a 2000 Olympic Trials Competitor in the 1500m. I currently hold American records for women age 40 – 44 in the indoor and outdoor mile (4:44.81 and 4:45.68 respectively); age 45-49 in the indoor 1500m (4:44.00), indoor 3000m (9:53.04), and outdoor 1500m (4:29.61). In March and April of 2021 respectively, I also set American records for women 50– 54 in the 1500m (4:41.21) and in the 800m, (2:19.02).

In 2019 I was inducted into The College of William & Mary Athletic Hall of Fame (my alma mater), and in 2022 I was inducted into the Palm Beach County Athletic Hall of Fame.

My commitment to my sport is unwavering, and I believe I have proven to be not only a champion of good character, but also one that gives back, time and time again. My current volunteer position is as an assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at FAU, a position I have held since 2016. I also serve on the board of USATF- Florida as the Women’s Long Distance Running Chair.

The 2024 WMA World Championship is a prestigious event that brings together the best athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level. I have worked tirelessly to qualify for this championship over the past 2 years and that includes overcoming a chronic illness that plagued me from the Summer of 2021 through the Fall of 2022. My most recent athletic accomplishments include: 2023 USATF Masters Indoor Women’s 50-54 age group Champion in the 1500m and 800m; 2023 USATF Masters Outdoor Women’s 50-54 age group Champion in the 5000m, 1500m, 800m, and 400m; and the 2023 USATF Masters 5K Cross Country Women’s 50-54 Age Group Champion. So far into 2024 I have raced several indoor track meets and my times are significantly improving from last year. I am currently ranked first in the world in the women’s 50-54 age category in the 800m (2:22.94), and the Mile (5:14.75). My goal for the World Championships in Sweden is to make the podium and medal in my events which will be the 1500m, 800m, and hopefully the 4 x 400m Relay team. These events will take place over two weeks from 8-12 to 8-25, 2024.

The costs associated with participating in such an event are substantial, including travel expenses, lodging accommodations, training fees, and competition fees. This is an itemized list of the estimated fees it will cost me to participate the WMA Sweden 2024:

Round Trip Flights: (Miami to Gothenburg):

$1,200.0

Lodging at US team hotel in Sweden for 14 days (length of competition). This is the USATF negotiated rate: $140/night ($2,400 US).

Estimated food costs while there: $450

Estimated public transportation costs (hotel to stadiums, etc): $150?

Training expenses (includes travel and entry fee costs to US national meet for qualifiers and preparation): $1200-$1500

Training and Racing Gear: ($600)

WMA Entry Fees: $135

Total estimated cost: $6,435.00

Of course I have a responsibility to support myself financially in this endeavor as much as I can, and I continually make efforts to do so, but it is a target that I cannot achieve alone, which is why I am asking for assistance. Your generous contribution will not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a vote of confidence and encouragement as I prepare to represent our country on the global stage. I promise you that your support will enable me to focus on my training and performance without the burden of additional financial stress and that I will honor this gesture by continuing to give back and volunteer in the sport of track and field and beyond.

Any amount you can contribute will make a significant difference in helping me achieve my goal. I understand that times are financially challenging for many, and that others with severe illness or emergencies need this more than I. In those cases I would sincerely and humbly withdraw my request.

Finally, I would greatly appreciate it if you would share this fundraising campaign with your network, as spreading the word will help me reach a wider audience and increase my chances of success.

To contribute to my journey, please visit my GoFundMe page. Every donation, no matter the size, will be deeply appreciated and will bring me one step closer to making my dream a reality.

Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting my journey to the 2024 WMA World Championship. Your generosity and belief in my abilities will not only impact my life but also inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Together, we can reach new heights and showcase the talent and determination that our community is known for.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at [email redacted]. I would be more than happy to provide any additional details or discuss this opportunity further.

Once again, thank you for your support and consideration.

With kind regards,

Sonja Friend-Uhl