Bolt Renews Puma Partnership Post-rio

Multiple Olympic sprint champion, Usain Bolt, has extended his endorsement deal with Puma beyond the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, extending a partnership that began when the world’s fastest man was just 16.

The Jamaican sprinter, who won three gold medals at the Olympic Games in London last year, will continue to represent the brand in its global marketing and promotional initiatives.

Bolt said of the deal: ‘Puma has been with me since the very beginning. They recognised my talent at an early age and have supported me throughout, especially in the early years when I had some difficult times due to injuries.’

‘Their work and commitment to Jamaica is also very important to me. I have always been very happy to be a part of the Puma family, I am proud to represent them and delighted to continue with them for the years ahead.’

Bolt appeared in Puma activation just last week when the Manchester United fan joined City’s Sergio Agüero for a “training session” ahead of the weekend’s Manchester derby. Watch the video at Sport Industry TV.

Puma chief executive Bjoern Gulden added: ‘Usain Bolt has been a partner of Puma since he was sixteen years old. With our support, he grew from a young athlete with huge potential to a World and Olympic Champion, claiming the title of the world’s fastest man.’

‘We are very proud to extend our sponsorship contract with him because Usain is the perfect ambassador of the Puma brand. He will play a crucial role in our future product concepts as well as brand communications leading towards the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and beyond.’

Bolt signed his new deal in front of a live audience earlier this week.

In addition to Puma, who also has a longstanding partnership with the Jamaican Track & Field team, Bolt’s personal endorsement portfolio also includes Samsung, Digicel, Hublot, Virgin Media and Gatorade.

Puma has partnered with the JAAA (Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association) and the JOA (Jamaica Olympic Association) since 2002, and also helps to foster young talent through sponsorship of high school track and field programmes, and works with various grass roots activities in the country.