Malik James-King signs with PUMA

Reigning men’s 400-metre hurdles national champion Malik James-King has signed a sponsorship agreement with German sporting giants PUMA ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.

James-King said the sponsorship is a major step in his blooming career and a proof his hard work has caught global attention.

He thanked his team for their support ahead of the opportunity and said he is looking forward for his future with PUMA.

“I’m truly over the moon,” he said. “The hard work has paid off. Now I can focus on the Olympics in Paris. I want to thank PUMA for their support, also my coach, my family and my team.”

In a press release announcing the sponsorship, James-King’s agent Eroll Walters stated the agreement came about following his client’s impressive performances during the current season.

At the Jamaica National Championships, James-King became the second-fastest Jamaica of all time when he took the national title in 47.42 seconds.

He continued his form with another sub-48 clocking at the Monaco Diamond League, running 47.73.

The partnership was set in ink following those performances.

“PUMA took notice of Malik earlier in the season and offered their support,” the press release read. “Naturally, after he became the national champion and got selected for the Jamaica Olympic Team, they formalised their partnership.”

James-King heads into the Olympic Games’ track and field competition ranked fifth in the world in his event and is hoping he can stamp his class among a competitive field of athletes.

He said his goal is to have a great performance, which includes securing a spot in the final.

“My goal for the Olympics is just getting the job done, getting into the final and giving it my all,” he said. “I’m not putting too much pressure on myself and say ‘I’m going to do this or I’m going to do that’. I’m going into every race and doing the same thing; staying focused and listening to what my coach tells me.”

James-King gets into action on August 5 in the men’s 400m hurdles preliminary round. He will be joined by compatriots Jaheel Hyde and Roshawn Clarke.

The event is set for 3 a.m. Jamaica time.