IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ASICS America is kicking off an exciting year with the welcomed addition of premier female long distance runner, Becky Wade, to the ASICS athlete family. Full of adventurous spirit and a fearless competitor at heart, Wade was most recently recognized for her winning debut at the California International Marathon, making her the fifth fastest female American marathoner of 2013. Wade joins the company of only two American women who ran faster marathons before the age of 25.
“ASICS’ unique brand spirit and constant innovation mirrors my ongoing pursuit of testing my limits in everything I do, especially when competing,” comments Wade. “In my young career I have already had incredible experiences that have helped me grow as a competitor, but the real journey begins with this partnership. I look forward to reaching new milestones in 2014, and feel confident as ever knowing I have this remarkable support every step of the way.”
A recent graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas, and one of the two sets of Wade twins, 24-year-old Becky Wade began running as a sprinter and hurdler in the fifth grade. Once she hit high school, Becky shifted her focus to distance running, which was the start of her successful cross-country career in college. One of Wade’s greatest accomplishments to date was securing the 2012 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. Through this award, she received $25,000 for 12 months of world travel and experiential learning to study a topic of her choice. Wade made running the centerpiece of her fellowship, working to establish an informally academic perspective of varying running cultures all over the world. On her journey, Becky visited 72 beds, went through 11 pairs of running shoes and ran 3,504 miles across 22 countries.
“Becky’s bold personality, natural curiosity and winning spirit on and off the road perfectly matches the energy of the ASICS brand,” commented ASICS America Athlete Manager, Annie Adams. “We look forward to supporting Becky through her training, competitions, and whatever worldly adventures may come her way, and hope to help her reach new goals and achieve success in 2014.”
Becky will continue to be coached by Jim Bevan, Track & Field head coach at Rice University and will have the support of the highly acclaimed coach Joe Vigil who was instrumental in Deena Kastor’s running success.
For more information about Becky Wade or ASICS America roster of elite athletes, visit asicsamerica.com.
About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com
