In a landmark deal for Asics Corporation, the record-setting 16-year-old high school phenomenon became the youngest American sprinter to turn pro and exclusively race and train in Asics footwear and apparel.
The brand issued that Candace Hill, nicknamed “the fastest girl in the world,” has signed a comprehensive, 10-year deal with the company that runs through 2025. She is the youngest American sprinter ever to turn pro and will compete in her first meet as a professional – racing in head-to-toe Asics – in Birmingham, AL, next month.
Hill made history in the summer of 2015 when she became the first female high school athlete ever to run a sub 11- second 100-meter sprint. Her time of 10.98 seconds, which she clocked in Seattle last June, would have given her a seventh place finish at the London 2012 Olympic Games and a tie for silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Currently a junior at Rockdale County High School in Conyers, GA, Hill has her sights set on the world stage – and on continuing to excel in her studies at school.
“This is such an amazing moment for me and everyone who has supported me, from my family and friends, to my coaches and classmates,” said Hill. “I have big dreams – both on and off the track – and I feel like I’m just getting started. It means a lot to have Asics step up and commit to helping me on my journey as a professional athlete. I can’t believe that this is really happening and can’t wait to get out there and show everyone what I can do.”
With the signing, Hill joins the Team Asics roster of elite athletes which includes Olympians and World Champions Deena Kastor, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Gwen Jorgensen, Alysia Montaño, Queen Harrison, Ryan Hall, Jordan Burroughs and others.
“Candace is a once-in-a-lifetime talent with incredible potential – and a remarkable young woman,” said Gene McCarthy, president and CEO of Asics America. “We’re so proud she has chosen to partner with Asics as she embarks on her racing career and know there are big things ahead for her.”
Hill began running track at a young age and in a few short years became the second female athlete to win both sprint events at the IAAF World Youth Championships, racing to a first place finish in both the 100m and 200m in July 2015. She set World Youth Records in both the 100m and 200m this summer, and was named the 2014-15 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Girls Track and Field Team Athlete of the Year. She was also named Youth Athlete of the Year by USA Track and Field earlier this month.
“Asics will support her academic and athletic goals equally throughout our partnership,” McCarthy continued.
As a professional athlete, Hill will continue her studies at Rockdale County High School and expects to graduate in June 2017 with honors. She will be coached by Tony Carpenter, who joins the coaching staff that has guided her on the track the past three years, and will be represented by the Boston-based Global Athletics & Marketing, Inc., a premier athlete representation and sports marketing firm.
–Images courtesy of Asics Corporation
