After winning the 400-meter title at the U.S. track and field championships Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, Jacory Patterson returned to find his phone filled with congratulatory messages.

Among the well-wishers were some of Patterson’s former co-workers. They had seen him operate under pressure at a fast pace before — at a UPS distribution center in South Carolina.

As Patterson, 25, showed in Oregon after cruising one lap in 44.16 seconds to win his first individual national title, his speed is unique. Yet his decision to fund his training via a graveyard shift packing boxes into the back of UPS delivery trucks is rooted in a reality that is common throughout his sport.

It’s hard to make a living in track and field.

“I can definitely say it’s a little tougher being unsponsored for sure, b

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