Herzogenaurach, Germany — Having partnered with a number of new young athletes in recent months, Puma has announced another exciting athlete endorsement after signing Jamaican prodigy Nigel Ellis.

The junior sprinter of St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) 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 displayed outstanding potential under high school coach Reynaldo Walcott and is currently the fastest 100m junior athlete in the world.

The 18-year-old lowered his personal bests to 10.16 in the 100m and 20.40 in the 200m on his way to claiming both the title for both events at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ & Girls’ Championships in Kingston.

Puma — one of the world’s leading sports brands in designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories — continues to invest in growing its stable of athletes and partner federations. The brand is also set on 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, while continuing its focus on becoming the fastest sport brand in the world.

An elated Ellis sighted the partnership as a big deal at this point in his athletic career.

“Puma is the number one brand in track and field in Jamaica. 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.

“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,” said Ellis.

Pascal Rolling, Puma’s head of sports marketing for running, said the brand is very happy to have signed Ellis.

“He is improving so quickly and his commitment and desire to measure himself amongst 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,” he stated.

For over 65 years, Puma has established a history of making fast product designs for the fastest competitors on the planet. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 10,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany.