JACOB PAUL has been given a boost ahead of what could be a big summer for the Banstead teenager after he signed a kit deal with sport giants Nike.
Nike will now supply the 19-year-old 400-metres runner with kit including a pair of Superfly R4s running spikes.
And Paul is over the moon to have the support of the sports brand, even if it does mean that getting dressed has become more complicated. "It's great to have the support of such huge brand and I'm really looking forward to wearing their kit this season," Paul said.
"They contacted me on Twitter, which I guess is the way technology is going. It does mean they definitely know my Twitter so I might have to watch what I say now.
"Part of the kit deal is that I don't wear conflicting brands, so I've already had to change my Facebook profile picture. I'm really pleased to have the support of Nike though."
Paul has just returned from warm-weather training in Spain but is looking forward to another great athletics season and the realistic hope of competing at the World Junior Championship in America in July.
"Next up is the BUCS Outdoor Championship in Bedford, where I'll be competing for my university, Bath," he said. "I was a bit tired after returning from Spain but I'll be looking for a better time at the BUCS.
"I want to gain selection for Loughborough, but I also need to get the qualifying time for the Worlds.
"I need 51.30 – I ran quicker than that last year, my personal best is about half a second faster, but I need to run it again.
"Ideally, I'd like to get that qualifying time down as quickly as possible. It takes the pressure off and means I'm not concentrating on chasing a qualifying time but also I just want to book my place on that plane."
