Brigitte, Michael go 361 Degrees

• 
  
  Duo among five Jamaican track stars endorsed by Chinese sports apparel company

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

World champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton and World and Olympic gold medallist, Michael Frater, are among five Jamaican track and field athletes to have been signed by growing Chinese sportswear company 361 Degrees.

Upcoming hurdlers Natasha Ruddock and Josef Robertson, as well as promising rising sprinter Kimmari Roach, are the other three athletes signed to three-year deals by the company that is looking to raise its international profile by using track and field as one of its cornerstone sports.

Negotiations began in May this year and were finalised during the IAAF World Championships held in Daegu, South Korea.

361 Degrees Ltd is the third largest sports and apparel company in China, with more than 7,000 retail outlets and several mega stores across mainland China. The company sets itself apart with its forward-thinking designs, attention to detail and brand strategy, which has seen it gain ground in China towards being number one domestically. It is represented in Jamaica and the region by its agent VAST Inc.

361 Degrees was bullish on Foster-Hylton and Frater of the MVP track club, as both athletes represent the very best of Jamaica's track and field.

"They are of so much value so as long as their careers continue they will be brand ambassadors for 361 Degrees," said Ajani Williams, speaking on behalf of 361's agents VAST.

Foster-Hylton is the 2009 World 100-metre hurdles champion. She also won bronze and silver medals at previous championships. Foster-Hylton also holds the national record of 12.45 seconds.

Frater, the 2005 World Championship 100-metre silver medallist, was an integral member of the Jamaican 4x100-metre relay team that won gold in world record time at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, this year. He is also one of the fastest men in history, boasting a personal best of 9.88 seconds over the 100-metre dash.

Great company

"It's great to have 361 getting involved in track and field," said Paul Doyle, the agent representing both Foster-Hylton and Frater. "They are a great company with a lot to offer the sport that we love so much."

Foster-Hylton expressed her satisfaction with her association with 361 Degrees.

"I am thrilled to be supported by such a great team as 361. I've been in this sport for many years and am looking forward to achieving success with 361," she said.

Michael Frater, too, expressed his eagerness to work with the growing Chinese company.

"I'm excited to work with a fresh new company, we've met with the shoe designers and the marketing staff at 361 and they are a very innovative and creative company that makes products that are second to none," Frater said. "I am excited to be a part of their new team."

Williams said Ruddock, Roach and Robertson represent Jamaica's future in the sport of track and field and are viewed by 361 as bright prospects. Ruddock, who attended Texas A&M, decided to become a professional in June this year.

Good fit

Roach meanwhile, who is coached by Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club and represented by Ricky Simms, believes this deal with 361 is a good fit.

"I am delighted to join 361," Roach said. "I am aiming to be one of the top sprinters in the world and 361 is aiming to be one of the top sportswear brands in the world ... I'm excited to start endorsing this brand as my favourite."

Robertson, who is also at Racers and is represented by Alfons Tuck, described the deal as a major step in his career.

"This is my second most important step of my career. First was when I joined the Racers Track Club with coach Glen Mills and now to cooperate with 361 is something special for me," he said.

Williams says 361 is happy to be providing support to the athletes and to bring new competition to the mix of established brands. Details of the individual agreements have not been made public.