Nigel Ellis of Jamaica's St. Elizabeth Tech has signed a professional endorsement contract with PUMA, according to a report issued by the company on Tuesday, May 3.
The 18-year-old is the second-fastest Junior U-20 athlete over 100m and 200m this year with his bests of 10.16 (+1.4) and 20.40 (+1.9). Ellis swept both events at the prestigious ISSA Boys & Girls Champs in March.
Just behind Ellis on the World U-20 list are American preps Michael Norman (No. 3, 20.41) and Noah Lyles (200m No. 4, 20.48; 100m No. 3, 10.17)
"In Jamaica, PUMA is the number one brand in track and field. I've known PUMA all my life - seen the athletes they work with, the high schools they support, the quality of the running shoes and training wear they make," Ellis said. "Signing with PUMA is a big moment for any athlete, and for me this is a big deal for me. 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."
Ellis trains under Reynaldo Walcott at St. Elizabeth Tech. The team made a U.S. appearance last weekend at the Penn Relays Carnival in Philadelphia, where they were a co-favorite for the High School Boys 4x100m Championship of America. The squad ran the second-fastest time in the qualifying rounds (41.35) but did not finish the final.
Watch the 4x100m prelim below.
Watch the High School Boys 4x100m Championship of America below: