After falling just short of making the 2024 Paris Olympics team, Christian Miller made waves when he turned pro. The fastest U20 100m sprinter in the U.S. announced his decision to forgo his collegiate track and field career in late July. However, it wasn’t until a month ago that he announced his first partnership with Oakley. Now, the 18-year-old had dropped another bombshell.

“Fastest athlete, fastest brand. We’re going with Puma.” Miller said on his Instagram announcement video while revealing the news to the world. The sprinter, who ran a wind-assisted 9.95s-second 100m sprint at this year’s national New Balance Nationals Outdoors, elaborated on his decision. “Trust God’s plan.” the sprinter told Flo Track when they reached out for comment.

The 5th place finisher at the U.S. Olympic trials explained discussing the decision to turn pro. “After weeks of consultation with my family, mentors and coaches, I have decided to forgo my NCAA eligibility and pursue a professional career as a full-time track and field athlete,” Christian Miller wrote on Instagram. However, it seems he didn’t take long to sign with Puma.

“That (God’s plan) has gotten me to the point now to make this decision, and it’s gonna help me far down the line as well,” the prodigy told Flo Track. To partner with the brand that once sponsored Usain Bolt was a huge opportunity for Miller. Maybe that’s why he called Puma the “fastest brand” in his Instagram video. Previously, the 18-year-old had said something similar about Oakley.

While discussing why he partnered with Oakley in September, the 100m sprinter explained how his vision lined up with the brand’s. “Their dedication to produce the best eyewear on the planet lines up with my desired work to be the best athlete in the world.” Christian Miller said about the brand with a $1.1 billion valuation.

With two huge brand deals, the fourth-fastest sprinter in high school history has already secured his career. Getting sponsors often becomes the biggest issue for many talented track and field sprinters. Yet, it seems Miller has crossed the biggest hurdle and can impress himself into training for his pro debut without worrying about finances. Interestingly, Miller’s move panned out exactly as a veteran athlete had speculated.

A track and field legend had predicted Christian Miller’s move

After Miller failed to make the Paris Olympic squad, Olympic medalist Justin said the athlete had two options. While joining the University of Georgia after submitting a letter of intent was one way, another was turning pro. However, the fifth faster man in history argued in favor of turning pro. “He gets the bag, he gets security, he gets more stability,” said Gatlin.

An NCAA career and competing after Georgia’s banner would provide Christian Miller with a safety net. However, Justin Gatlin argued that going pro and securing a lucrative sponsorship would help him earn money. The 42-year-old even predicted the brand correctly. “I say Puma needs to step up to the plate,” the Olympic gold medalist said on Ready Set Go.

Despite finishing in fifth place at the trails, the sprinter clocked in 9.98 seconds, just 0.01 seconds more than what Noah Lyles took to earn gold in Paris. After landing two brand deals within a month, the sky is the limit for the Gatorade National Player of the Year. What do you think the future holds for the rookie pro? Will more brand deals follow before his pro debut? Write your views in the comments.