PUMA signs STETHS's Ellis - Ja sprint prodigy looks to bright future with global sports brand

HERZOGENAURACH, Germany:

Having partnered with a number of new young athletes in recent months, PUMA has announced its "most exciting athlete endorsement of all" with the signing of Nigel Ellis.

The junior sprinter joins a growing Jamaican line-up of PUMA track and field athletes that includes Natasha Morrison, Kaliese Spencer, Asafa Powell, Hansle Parchment, Jaheel Hyde and, of course, the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt.

Ellis has a big future in track and field. Under the coaching of Reynaldo Walcott at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), he lowered his personal bests to 10.16 and 20.40 at the age of 18, claiming both the 100m and 200m sprint titles at the ISSA Boys and Girls' Championships in Kingston.

He is also currently the fastest 100-metre junior athlete in the world.

PUMA continues to invest in growing its stable of athletes and partner federations, maintaining its presence in a sport that has always been a rich part of its history. With the Olympics in Rio approaching, PUMA has made significant strides to enrich its athlete portfolio, continuing its focus on becoming the fastest sport brand in the world.

Speaking about the new partnership with PUMA, Ellis said: "In Jamaica, PUMA is the number one brand in track and field. I've known PUMA all my life.

"I've seen the athletes they work with, the high schools they support, the quality of the running shoes and training wear they make. Signing with PUMA is a big moment for any athlete and, for me, this is a big deal.

"I'm proud of the potential they see in me and the opportunity to continue my education. I look forward to working with them for years ahead," he added.

Pascal Rolling, PUMA's head of sports marketing for running, said: "We are very happy to have signed Nigel. He is improving so quickly and his commitment and desire to measure himself among the best is clear.

"He embodies the spirit and values of PUMA, both on and off the track, by training and competing hard, while living well with a joy for what he does. He's a young man with a huge future and we're pleased to play a part of the success that will come."