Saint Lucia’s sprinting scene just doubled its international shine. On Friday, October 10, teen sensation Naomi London announced she’s officially part of the PUMA family, making her the second Saint Lucian track and field athlete to ink a sponsorship deal with the German sportswear giant.
The 18-year-old from Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, shared the news via Instagram, writing, “Oh, to be a PUMA girl. Blessed and thankful to join the PUMA family. #puma #trackathlete,” said London, 18.
Speaking to St Lucia Times, London added, “All I can say really is God did all the answered prayers along with having faith. This is only the beginning for what’s to come in His will.”
London joins Olympic 100m gold medallist Julien Alfred as a PUMA brand ambassador. Alfred, however, signed at the end of her collegiate career with the University of Texas, whilst London is yet to run her first race for the Longhorns.
This year has been momentous for the 2023 double CARIFTA silver medallist, however. In March, she ran 11.23 seconds in the 100m at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays presented by Truist, breaking Julien Alfred’s national junior record. In May, she ran a wind-aided 11.09 at the Texas State Twilight Last Chance Meet to become the fifth-fastest teenager in the world under all conditions for 2025.
Also this year, London became a brand ambassador for the nation’s biggest bank, Bank of Saint Lucia. Through her three-year agreement, she will participate in initiatives, including youth-focused events and financial literacy programmes designed to inspire the next generation, brand campaigns, and community engagement projects.
London is already among the early favourites for gold in the Under-20 100m at the 2026 CARIFTA Games after missing the last two editions through injury. The regional junior athletics festival will be in Grenada from April 4 to 6 at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium.
She and coach Edrick Floreal may also have to decide between the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, US. The Commonwealth Games will be held at Scotstoun Stadium from 27 July to 1 August. The World Juniors will take place between August 5 and 9 at historic Hayward Field.
