Saucony, Inc. signed 2008 U.S. Olympian and two-time World Championships gold medalist Wallace Spearmon, Jr. to a multi-year endorsement contract. Spearmon, Jr. is the first Olympic sprinter to be signed by Saucony.
Spearmon had been sponsored by Nike.
One of the world’s fastest sprinters, Spearmon, Jr. is the winner of three consecutive World Outdoor Championships 200-meter medals (2005, 2007, 2009).
He is also the U.S. 200-meter indoor record holder, the 2006 USA Outdoor 200-meter champion and a three-time NCAA champion at University of Arkansas over the same distance.
“Im very excited about competing for the Saucony brand,” said Spearmon, Jr. “The team at Saucony feels like a family, and I know that Ill enjoy working and racing for them and being a part of that family. What’s really inspiring to me is the brand’s emphasis on performance and innovation, evident in their spikes and their AMP PRO2 training and recovery apparel. Were a great fit and Im looking forward to a long and lasting partnership, accomplishing great things together — both on and off the track.”
“At Saucony, our athletes inspire us, make us better,” said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony. “Were a competitive company and we want to win. Our partnership with Wallace will help us push innovation and performance higher and faster. He is an incredibly gifted runner and a tremendous individual. His desire to team up with the Saucony Run For Goodsm Foundation to enable more kids to enjoy the benefits of track and field is inspiring to the whole Saucony team.”
At an event held at Saucony’s headquarters, Spearmon, Jr. presented a Saucony Run For Goodsm Foundation grant in his name to Boston-based Youth Enrichment Services (YES) to support a year-round, inter-neighborhood track and field program that will reach out to more than 1,500 inner-city youth participants.
Bryan Van Dorpe, executive director of YES and the program’s track and field coordinator, accepted the “Wallace Spearmon, Jr. Run For Good Foundation” grant of $10,000. Over the length of the contract, The Saucony Run For Good Foundation will continue to award future annual grants in Spearmon, Jr.’s name to nonprofit organizations that support opportunities for at-risk youth to benefit from participating in track and field programs.
“As we begin the long buildup to London in 2012, were thrilled to have an athlete with Wallace’s significant history of success and global visibility join our team,” said Woodworth. “His charisma and style, not withstanding his astonishing speed, will enrich us and inspire and build our legion of Saucony followers as we work with Wallace in creating the fastest shoes on the planet.”
