Posted: June 29, 2004

Athletics: McWilliams Signs With Adidas

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

adidas America announced yesterday that former Mississippi State star Tiffany McWilliams has signed with the company famous for the three stripes who will be her equipment sponsor.

"Tiffany is the future of middle distance running in America," said Kevin Wulff, Director of Sports Marketing for adidas America in a prepared statement. "Her passion and dedication to her sport are among the character traits that not only make her a world class athlete, but a valuable addition to the adidas family."

McWilliams, 21, caught the notice of most track fans only last year when she won the NCAA 1500m title, then finished third at the U.S. Outdoor Championships. In one year she lowered her 1500m personal best from 4:20.13 to 4:06.75 with her front-running style. At last month's NCAA Championships she defended her 1500m title is a favorite to make the U.S. Olympic squad for Athens next month. She still needs the Olympic Games "A" standard of 4:05.80.

"Joining the adidas family is an exciting step for me," said McWilliams who will continue to be coached by Mississippi State University Head Coach, Al Schmidt. "The first running outfit I ever owned was adidas, and I’m confident they are the team to help me take my career to the next level."

McWilliams will not be leaving school, however. She will finish the remaining year and a half of her academic career at Mississippi State University.