Elaine Thompson-Herah Hints on Drift With Nike; Makes a Statement With Usain Bolt’s Sponsors Ahead of World Championships 2022 in Oregon

The 2022 World Championships reach Oregon on Friday as athletes get ready to compete. The host of talents entering the US is incredible, and Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah is a top favorite. She is the current Olympic gold medalist in the 100m and 200-meter events. However, the long-time Nike-sponsored athlete wore a Puma t-shirt and shoes while traveling from her airport. 

Spotted at the Norman Manley International Airport donning Puma clothes and footwear, it probably means that she signed a deal with the famous German sportswear company. When an athlete participates in a competition, the sportswear company requires them to wear their gear. Therefore, it seems like she has signed a deal with Puma ahead of the World Championships. 

Elaine Thompson-Herah Puma bound?

Puma is a long-time supporter of Jamaican athletes, and they have sponsored some of the best athletes from the country. The legendary Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Hansle Parchment, Shericka Jackson, Megan Tapper, and Rushell Clayton are some of them. Reports suggest that Thompson-Herah’s contract ended a few months ago, and the discussions started after the 180-day Nike clause expired. 

The clause included Nike with the first right of refusal on any competing proposals. It means the sprinter needed to resign from Nike once they matched her offers. Nike’s extension deal or value of the Puma deal is unclear. Most Puma officials declined to comment on the matter. Elaine has had a rocky relationship with Nike, and she removed the company’s name from her social media bio after the Tokyo Olympics 2020. 

READ MORE- Jamaican Track Fans Slam the World Athletics Championships for Disrespecting Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson for US Star Abby Steiner: “Never Seen Our Athletes Get Disrespected This Much”

The incident happened when Nike failed to recognize Thompson-Herah’s triumph at the Tokyo Olympics. Despite posting the second-fastest in Oregon, Elaine never received her credit.

Aiming for gold!

Heading to the World Championships, she is the favorite to win the 100 and 200-meter competitions this time. She hopes to get back to winning ways and grab her first World Championships gold medal. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics propelled her personality to the next level, and she is now one of the best in the world. With the current world record at 10.49 seconds set by Florence Griffith-Joyner, Elaine is getting closer to that record. 

Thus, heading to Oregon, she arrives with much fanfare. Hopefully, with Puma by her side, she can create history at the World Championships. Fans await her performance in Oregon. Will she prevail again in the 100-meters and break the world record?

WATCH THIS STORY- From Flojo to Elaine Thompson-Herah: Top 5 Fastest 100m Women Sprinters