Six Zero's

24 Million Dollars. Six zeros.


That is how much Usain Bolt, fastest human ever, makes in yearly endorsements. Usain Bolt, because he is the fastest human ever, makes 24 million dollars. Amazing.


A celebrity can be defined in many categories. Sport stars are, in fact, also a huge celebrity. Look at Tiger Woods. Tiger has the public eye on him at every moment. Paparazzi feed on his every move. Usain Bolt is just as popular. Now, yes he is the fast human ever, but what makes him those 24 million dollars?


That would be the huge athletic companies that pitch him endorsement ideas in hope that he will chose them to represent.


The biggest brand Usain endorses is Puma. Upon some careful research I was able to find some important facts that outline the way in which Usain profits from these endorsements. He receives $10 million a year through 2016 and will receive and addition $10 million if he competes in the world championship in London 2017.


fun fact: Usain announced retirement after the 2016 games. Lets be honest, do you want to retire or earn $10 more million dollars... I am just saying.


Usain also ranks 36th in worldwide influence. Now, lets look at Puma and their product review.


Puma's brand sales amounted to about 3.45 billion euros worldwide. In 2012, a few reviews stated Puma FAAS 800 as being a "surprising stability running shoe." It is known for its great plush stability and at a decent price. The positives that the product has is only a small influencer in costumer purchasing decisions.


The main influence? Maybe Usain Bolt.


In 2012 Puma released this commercial with Usain Bolt. Don't be shy, click the link.


What did you think? I mean its fine! Its fun, got a nice little twist to it with the traditional Jamaican sound. Even a little bit funny. The Puma brand picked a man to represent them who also was not an American. Does this mean that they spent more time targeting a different demographic? Maybe the Jamaican demographic?


In an article I found from the Jamaica Observer it states that Puma produced and 14 per cent net profit increase to $26.3 billion dollars. This was in 2011. The sales sky rocketed the moment that the Jamaican team excelled in their performance at the Olympics.


It is interesting statistics when you look at sales from a different country other than our own. Not to mention, the sales in America boosted by double-digit sales growth as well. At the end of the day, there was overall improvements in all areas of the world.


So what does this mean? It means that Usain Bolt is not just a great athlete but a pretty darn good endorser. Puma should keep him around as long as he keeps winning. Those legs are taking him to the finish line and to the bank.