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NEW ORLEANS, USA – The meteoric rise of Virgin Islands sprint sensation Adaejah T Hodge reached new heights this week as the University of Georgia standout officially signed an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) endorsement deal with global sportswear giant Nike, Inc.
The agreement, finalised on Wednesday, marks a historic milestone for the 19-year-old phenom, who has taken the collegiate track and field world by storm.
Hodge, a finalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award, given annually to the top collegiate track and field athlete in the nation, now joins the elite ranks of Nike’s sponsored athletes, adorned with the iconic Swoosh.
“From dreaming it to doing it! Just Do It, #NikeAthlete, #NikeNIL,” Hodge celebrated in a Facebook post following the signing.
Hodge’s freshman campaign at the University of Georgia was nothing short of historic. She obliterated NCAA records in both the 100 meters with a 10.63-second clocking and 21.68 seconds in the 200 metres, showcasing a blend of raw power and technical precision that has drawn comparisons to the sport’s all-time greats.
Her contributions were instrumental in propelling the Georgia Bulldogs to the team title at the recent NCAA Championships.
According to her social media announcement, Hodge intends to return to Georgia for her sophomore season, where she will continue to build on her already legendary college resume.
While the Nike deal dominates headlines, Hodge’s immediate focus shifts to the track. She is set to make her highly anticipated World Athletics Diamond League debut this weekend at the 51st annual Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
The two-day meet, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, at the University of Oregon’s historic Hayward Field, will see Hodge line up against the fastest sprinters on the planet.
CMC
English (US) ·