Track and field has a ton of fans who look forward to it whenever a new season is on the brink. However, this anticipation comes from a very niche audience, as the sport has been plagued by numerous issues that have led to a significant dip in popularity in recent years. Among these issues is the financial aspect, which is causing many athletes to be underpaid even after a prolific season.

However, this has not deterred the rising stars in the sport from pursuing their professional careers, as each year, numerous new players emerge from strong collegiate careers. While the sport is currently in the off-season, a two-time NCAA champion has made a major decision to join the big names next year after receiving significant backing from a major sponsor.

Getting ready for the big leagues

So who’s this rising star in track and field? He goes by the name, Graham Blanks, who had a prolific career representing the Harvard Crimson. The two-time NCAA champion had been enjoying a great time in the collegiate events but has also attended the Olympic Games this year in the French capital, where he was able to qualify for the 5000m finals too. Surely, he didn’t make it to the podium, but it was his first time representing his nation on a coveted stage like that.

Keeping his aims higher for the 2025 season, Blanks signed a sponsorship deal with New Balance and will be turning professional in the process, as reported by Citius Mag on their X profile. “It’s time to move on to bigger adventures,” said the rising star after making such a big decision in his career. But what about his NCAA career? It’s time for the 22-year-old to look into the big picture, as he will be aiming for the World Championship in Tokyo in the next campaign, where he will run at the 5000m event. 

Signing a deal with shoe giant New Balance is something that he is acquainted with. Back in December 2023, Blanks signed an NIL deal with them, weeks after breaking the 5000m NCAA record with a time of 13:03.78 at the Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener in Boston. But what performance triggered New Balance to make their move on the athlete?

This year, at the same event, on December 7, Blanks went on to put a time of 12:59.89, making him the second-fastest indoor collegiate athlete in the 5000m. It was a remarkable feat and something that couldn’t go unnoticed by the brand that already had ties with him for a long time. In the sport, money plays a crucial role, and if the 22-year-old receives a major contract, he should not decline it, as financial deals are a significant source of income for athletes. Previously, in the current season, there was one of such NCAA talents that turned pro after getting a big opportunity from a major brand.

Another track and field rising star’s big deal

Many athletes dream of getting a spot on their nation’s Olympic team. It was also something that was on the bucket list of Christian Miller, who wanted to make his Olympic debut in the 4x100m relay squad of Team USA. However, the plans didn’t go his way, and he wasn’t able to make it to the team. It was hard for him to digest, but the fastest U20 100m sprinter got a big opportunity the moment he was offered a contract from Puma.

So what did he do? Obviously, like any other track and field athlete, he accepted it and announced it on his social media, stating, “Fastest athlete, fastest brand. We’re going with Puma.” Furthermore, he also clarified to his audience that he won’t be participating in the NCAA anymore, as he will be preparing for his professional athletics career. Miller is assured of the path he will be taking, as his dreams to be present on the grid at the Olympic Games haven’t faded yet. 

The prospect of money and financial stability is as old as the sport itself and it’s high time that athletes step up and take measures for their future. How do you feel about this? Tell us in the comment section below!