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André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Double sprint world-record holder Usain Bolt might be earning close to US$10 million (J$846 million) per year through his new four-year deal with German sports lifestyle brand PUMA, The Gleaner has learnt.

Bolt and PUMA recently put pen to paper on a four-year extension.

In a release issued to the media, PUMA did not disclose the value of the contract, but stressed that it was by far the largest ever given to a track-and-field athlete, a development that now positions the 24-year-old as one of the top earners in the world of sport.

Research shows that besides Bolt's mammoth deal, most top track-and-field athletes earn up to US$2 million from sports goods manufacturers. This is, of course, excluding appearance fees, bonuses, prize money and funds they receive from other sponsors.

Through the deal, Bolt will continue to wear performance, training and lifestyle gear provided by PUMA, while the Olympic and World champion will also play an integral role in the company's global marketing campaigns as well its Olympic 2012 programme, which is expected to be launched early next year.

Impossible amount

When contacted, local members of Bolt's robust management network refused to confirm or deny the US$10-million sum, but squarely denied reports that have been circulating on several international web-sites that the 100 metres and 200 metres world-record holder's contract was valued at US$400 million, a figure they labelled as an impossible amount.

In terms of deals with sports goods manufacturers, Bolt's new PUMA deal is larger than the US$7.6 million that Real Madrid football star Cristiano Ronaldo receives from Nike, but is dwarfed by the US$20 million the same company dishes out to US golfer Tiger Woods annually.

andre.lowe@gleanerjm.com

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