Irvine, CA – This year’s most impressive and dominant collegiate sprinter, Richard Thompson has signed a lucrative multi-year deal with Nike. The terms of the contract are confidential though his representative Emanuel Hudson, of Hudson and Nguyen, states that “Richard and his family are very happy with the deal. The contract is the most lucrative deal for a Caribbean athlete in any sport. Richard is excited to be a part of Nike’s rich track history and to have Nike’s support as he begins his professional career. He hopes to remain and retire a Nike athlete with a building named after him in the tradition of the Nike greats that have come before him. ”
Thompson wrapped up his four-year career at Louisiana State University with an impressive undefeated season that culminated in titles in the 60m and 100m at the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships this year. He leaves LSU holding the fastest indoor (6.51 in the 60m) and outdoor (9.93 in the 100m) times in the school’s history. His alma mater’s website proclaims that Thompson “will go down as arguably the greatest sprinter to wear the LSU uniform.”
A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Thompson secured his Olympic spot last month. The final race became a nail biting sight when a teammate tripped during the race and fell into Thompson’s lane. Despite the distraction, Thompson was able to control his race and finished second. This will be his first appearance on the Olympic stage and he is honored to represent his country.
Thompson’s achievements have made him a well-recognized and marketable athlete throughout the Caribbean. His agent Emanuel Hudson confirms that he is currently in discussions with potential sponsors that are outside of track and field.
In his first post-collegiate competition at the DN Galan track meet in Stockholm today, which included former world record holder Asafa Powell and current world record holder Usain Bolt, Thompson finished in an impressive fourth place running from lane 1. With this race under his belt, he will now go to London for his last race before heading to Beijing for the Olympic Games.
Some of Thompson’s awards this year include:
*NCAA Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year
*SEC Male Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year
*USATFCCCA South Central Region Male Track Athlete of the Year
*Track and Field News Men’s Collegiate Athlete of the Year
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My fan for life
05:05, 26 July 2008
.. Posted by Anonymous
This is my mentor richard thompson he started school not really fast but climb his way up rapidly i repect him for that and want to be just like him he is my friend and my mentor good luck in olmpics my friend just remember i am your number 1 fan!.Zwade EDWARDS.
