Fred Kerley in Oakley?
Fred Kerley’s eyes remained hidden behind sport lenses. The camera slowly moves in on the champion runner, but instead of a story about his previous wins and training, his Oakley running kit and Nike shoes become the point of the story.
ASICS is currently running a Fred Kerley spot after the brand and the athlete amicably parted ways. There hasn’t been any bad blood, bad mouthing or negativity around why the relationship ended but Fred Kerley leaving Nike to sign with ASICS was an anchor on the roster of ASICS sprint division.
Track and Field doesn’t exist without brand sponsorships, but unlike distance running and marathons, the gear utilized for track and field isn’t as well positioned for daily sales like a performance running shoe can be with a person like Eliud Kipchoge. Actually, track and field is perfectly positioned, but brands aren’t approaching it the correct way.
Kerley’s Oakley running kit and his move back into Nike footwear was the most noticeable moment over the weekend, but there were other notable brand highlights some which will have long-lasting ramifications on the sport if implemented into marketing correctly.
Nike Lands a Trifecta in the Women’s 100m
ShaCarri, Melissa and TT all sponsored by Nike, all training together swept the trials at 1-2 and 3 in an emotional moment for Richardson who has been on a redemption tour since her unfortunate disqualification from the last Olympics. The fuel in Nike’s marketing rocket was given a huge boost but the question remains if Nike will see the opportunity and make the right moves around it.
Quincy Wilson Delivers New Balance a Black Panther Moment
The loss of T’Challa exists as a marker in the culture of Black folks in the U.S. Although Black Panther 2 was successful, the lingering feeling of sadness permeates every aspect of the Marvel Universe. It could be said that the franchise has suffered because of the absence of the King.
At the end of the film the discovery of T’Challa’s son provided hope and whether it was intentional, the Bullis School’s decision to sport a Black Panter inspired running kit provided a moment without comparison.
While AAU events and USATF youth events have been running across the country, a 16-year-old 400m sprinter earned the right to compete with the pros on the biggest stage. The Bullis School’s Quincy Wilson scorched the track in a royal purple Black Panther inspired running kit and qualified for the finals while also setting the Under 18 record twice!
Yared Nguse in On, Anna Hall and Noah Lyles in adidas, the brand moments were amazing and as the Trials wrap up this week the moments will continue to create the memories and sports accomplishments which endear fans to brands and athletes. Did you watch the competition?