Lyston signs with Adidas, quits collegiate circuit

RISING SPRINT sensation and Louisianna State University standout Brianna Lyston, not long after announcing the signing of a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with global sportswear giant Adidas, has decided to call time on her amateur status, giving up her collegiate eligibility.

The 19-year-old announced the NIL deal on social media, calling it a “blessed” opportunity as she joins the brand’s elite roster of athletes.

The agreement allows Lyston to monetise her growing fame through sponsorships and endorsements, marking a major milestone in her young career.

The announcement of the NIL deal came a day after it was revealed that Lyston would be giving up her collegiate status, the revelation coming in a letter to LSU Head Coach Dennis Shaver on Sunday.

Outstanding season

Lyston had an outstanding initial season, where she was named USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week and earned a spot on the prestigious “Bowerman Award” watchlist, an honour recognising the top collegiate track and field athletes in the United States.

Lyston was expected to challenge for a position on Jamaica’s Olympic season last year when she was the quickest woman over 100 metres ahead of the country’s national trials but pulled out, citing injury concerns.

Those injuries may have cost her an NCAA title, the athlete finishing second.

This season, the 2022 World Under-20 200-metre champion, had an excellent start to her second season at the Baton Rouge-based university, becoming the collegiate leader in the women’s 60 metres with her 7.07-second effort to win at the Razorback Invitational on January 27 in Arkansas.

The former St Jago and Hydel High School standout also ran 23.13 for third in the 200m at the New Mexico Collegiate Classic on February 2.

She again finished second with an NCAA title within her grasp but has not run since the season has moved outdoors.

In an interview with SportsMax.tv, Shaver confirmed the revelation.

“She hasn’t run at all this outdoor season because she was slightly injured at the NCAA Indoors,” said Shaver.

“And it’s my understanding that she has decided to forgo her collegiate eligibility and that she’s going to turn professional.”

It is still unknown where Lyston will land in her endeavours as a professional, with Shaver hinting that she would not be training with him.

“She hasn’t discussed any of that with me,” he said.

“But what I would say is that I think it’s in her best interest to move on and seek out another environment, another coach.”

Shaver is the coach of Nigeria’s Favour Ofili, the United States’ Vernon Norwood, Aleia Hobbs, and Mikiah Brisco.

Even if Lyston is not in Shaver’s plans, he is in full support of her decision.

“My main thing is that she graduates from here,” he said. “That’s my main concern. I want her to get her degree, and I want her to do whatever she thinks is going to be best for her. If it’s staying here, great. If it’s moving, I’ll support any decision she makes.”