By Akeem Greene
Young Guyanese sprint sensation Tianna Springer has signed with the global apparel company Adidas.
An executive of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) informed News Room Sport that student-athletes sign with the company through the developing aspect of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights.
NIL simply describes the means by which college athletes are allowed to receive financial compensation.
NIL refers to using an athlete’s name, image and likeness through marketing and promotional endeavours.
This can include autograph signings, product endorsements, social media posts and more.
Importantly, signing through NIL will not affect Springer’s future in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
It was reported that the AAG is solidifying a collaboration with the renowned German athletic apparel and Footwear Company, and it was evident as Guyanese Track and Field athletes wore Adidas branded national outfits at both the World Championships and the Pan American Games.
The precise details of her contract were not disclosed, but it is understood that the AAG, through Cubie Seegobin, a Guyanese involved in Sports Management, and former national athlete Rayfield Pepe Beaton, helped to facilitate the signing after nominating Springer to the company while at the World Championships in Hungary in August 2023.
The AAG explained that by virtue of Springer signing with Adidas, they would outfit the entire CARIFTA Track and Field headed to Grenada later this month.
The 17-year-old related to News Room Sport that she was overwhelmed to sign with such a mega global brand.
“It feels great to be signed by a great international brand,” Springer said as she revealed she has been training hard in preparation for CARIFTA, with the aim of winning more gold for Guyana.
Since winning the Girls’ U-17 400m gold at the CARIFTA Championships in The Bahamas in 2023, Springer has shattered records and bagged more gold medals.
She set a new record at the South American U-20 Championships. Her gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games was the first in Guyana’s history.
Her 53.28 seconds at the South American Championships in Colombia ended 2023 as the seventh fastest in the World for female U-18 athletes.
