Sage Watson signs with Nike

Canadian Olympian Sage Watson announced some exciting news on Instagram this week: the 400m hurdler has just signed a sponsorship deal with Nike.

“I am officially a NIKE ATHLETE!! So excited for this opportunity and sponsorship,” she wrote on social media earlier this week. 

RELATED: The real Sage Watson

 

I am officially a NIKE ATHLETE!! So excited for this opportunity and sponsorship. Thank you to @totalsportsus , @fredleeharvey , my team mates, family and friends for making this dream come true! Can’t wait to run fast with a new name across my chest! #nikeathlete #nike #trackandfield #tracknation

A post shared by Sage Watson (@sagewatson) on Jan 10, 2018 at 2:47pm PST

Watson, who is originally from southern Alberta where her family owns a ranch in Medicine Hat has run for Canada several times including competing on the track at the most high-level international competitions: The Olympics, World Championships, the Pan Am Games, etc. Prior to this, Watson had run with the University of Arizona, which is sponsored by Nike (hence the slew of Nike apparel in her Instagram shots). She graduated just last year ahead of the World Championships in London where she placed sixth among her fellow competitors. 

RELATED: Athletics Canada names 2018 Commonwealth Team

Just after Watson announced her new deal, Canadian 800m indoor and outdoor record holder, Melissa Bishop, (who is also a Nike-sponsored athlete) congratulated her and welcomed her to the Nike group. “Welcome to the Nike family girl!” she wrote in response to Watson’s post.

 

Racing into a new training week! ??‍♀️ ??‍♀️ ??‍♀️ ??‍♀️ ??‍♀️ Staying focused on my training and nutrition going into this years track season. Check out my latest video to see one of my favorite pre and post workout meals.( link in bio) #trackandfield #2018 #nutrition

A post shared by Sage Watson (@sagewatson) on Jan 7, 2018 at 3:01pm PST

And the most recent buzz about Watson? She has been named to compete on the Canadian team for the Commonwealth Games slated for April 4 – 15 in Australia’s Gold Coast. She has been listed to compete in the women’s 400m hurdles.

Her PB in the event is 54.52 which she set in Eugene, Oregon just last spring. That’s dangerously close to the Canadian record which has been standing for more than 20 years. Rosey Edeh is currently the owner of that title: she set her record of 54.39 in 1996.