ASICS has signed European marathon record holder, bronze medallist at the World Championships and Olympic Games, Bashir Abdi to become part of its team.
Abdi, Somali-born Belgian athlete, specialises in long-distance running, primarily focusing on the marathon and 10,000 metre distances. In 2018, he secured silver across the 10,000 meters at the European Championships, followed by bronze medals at the Tokyo Olympics and at the World Championships for the marathon distance in 2021.
“Sport is a universal language and has given me so much. Running has allowed me to make friends for life, literally learn a new language and got me to where I am today, as an athlete and a human being. Sport is something special that people don’t understand until they experience it themselves, and I am very excited to join ASICS, a brand that wants to help everyone achieve a sound mind in a sound body through movement,” said Bashir Abdi.
His podium finishes made Abdi the first ever Belgian World Championship medal winner across the marathon distance as well as the first Belgian male athlete to win an individual medal at both the Olympic Games and World Athletic Championships. He currently holds the European record for the marathon distance as well as further national records.
Olivier Mignon, Director of Sports Marketing at ASICS EMEA, said: “Bashir Abdi is an outstanding runner. Aside from his accolades, his passion and understanding of the sport and running community is second to none. We feel humbled and proud to welcome him in our ASICS family and we are looking forward to supporting him in his upcoming preparations and races.”