High jumper Distin signs deal with Puma

Three-time national high jump champion Lamara Distin has signed a deal with sporting apparel giant Puma.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games champion says this is a very exciting moment in her journey as she made the announcement via Instagram yesterday.

"Excited to announce that I'm stepping into the next chapter of my career with Puma Running. Huge shout-out to my amazing management group Forte Track and Field for their unwavering support and guidance. Excited for the future and the opportunities ahead," the 24-year-old said.

Distin, who finished fifth at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, will be heading to her first Olympic Games in Paris this month.

She is expected to again challenge for a top eight position as she is ranked in the top 10 in the world for the 2024 season on the World Athletics top list.

The former Vere Technical and Hydel High School standout has been raising the bar each year. Under the guidance of coach Mario Sategna, Distin, a Texas A&M University graduate, became the first female Jamaican athlete to clear 2.00 metres indoors. She cleared this height at the Southeastern Conference Indoor Championships held at the Randal Tyson Indoor Center, Fayetteville, North Carolina, on February 24 this year.

The Hanover native joins a list of Jamaicans who have signed to Puma Running, including Usain Bolt, who has a lifetime deal with the brand.