2009 Living The Dream Medal Winners (from left): Jake Herbert, Dremiel Byers, Tervel Dlagnev. Photo by Mitch Hull.

Jake Herbert, Dremiel Byers and Tervel Dlagnev know what it means to be associated with USA Wrestling's Living The Dream Medal Fund.

All three wrestlers cashed in by receiving bonuses from the fund after each won medals at the 2009 World Championships in Herning, Denmark. It was the first year of the program.

The successful program will continue with the 2009-10 international season now underway.

Any gold-medal winners at the 2010 World Championships in Moscow, Russia, will receive a bonus from the fund of $50,000. Silver-medal winners will receive $25,000 and bronze-medal winners will be awarded a check for $15,000.

"This program provides a wonderful opportunity for Americans to show their appreciation and support for those incredible athletes that represent our country at the World and Olympic Games," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director.

Herbert and Byers each pocketed $25,000 for winning silver medals in 2009 with Dlagnev earning $15,000 for his bronze medal. Herbert and Dlagnev competed in freestyle wrestling, and Byers is a Greco-Roman athlete. The wrestlers received their checks in October.

"I really appreciate what that program has done for me," Herbert said. "That money is really going to help me a lot and make things easier for me. It's a great program for the wrestlers, that's for sure."

Numerous donations from wrestling supporters around the country have made this program possible. USA Wrestling wishes to thank the stewards of the program and the donors who have made generous contributions to make this possible.

USA Wrestling is looking forward to the program continuing to have an impact on athlete performances in the future.

Anybody interested in supporting the Living The Dream Medal Fund can visit:

Contribute to the Living The Dream Medal Fund