Abby Steiner, Highest Paid Female Track Athlete Signed by Usain Bolt’s Sponsor, Wins Bermuda Grand Prix Gold.
Making her presence known after overcoming injury and surgery, Abby Steiner, the 2022 USATF 200m champion, has truly highlighted her prowess at the Bermuda Grand Prix Gold 2024. Returning to the 200-meter event for the first time since the US trials last year, Abby Steiner delivered an outstanding performance, crossing the finish line with a time of 22.71 seconds to clinch victory. Commanding the race from start to finish, she outpaced her competitors, including Kynnedy Flannel and Ashanti Moore, who finished in 23.01 and 23.12 seconds, respectively.
Steiner has been making strides in her performances this year. Demonstrating her versatility, she showcased impressive times of 11.05 in the 100 meters and 51.58 in the 400 meters at the 2024 Tom Jones Memorial at Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, Florida earlier this month.
Notably, Abby Steiner holds the distinction of being one of the highest-paid female track athletes, boasting a lucrative sponsorship deal with Puma, valued at $2 million, the same brand that pays $10 million a year to Usain Bolt. Even in 2022, Abby declared, “I am very happy to be part of the PUMA family now and I can’t wait to take off.” Today, she embodies the brand’s values proudly, reflecting her significant worth. However, her journey to success was marked by notable setbacks.
How Abby Steiner overcame a career-threatening injury to dominate the track once again!
At 24, Steiner endured a six-month bout with a heel injury in 2023. Following her fourth-place finish in the 200m at the USA Track and Field Championships that year, she wisely opted to conclude her season to focus on her well-being. She openly acknowledged that she had been dealing with the injury for at least six months but emphasized her commitment to persevering through adversity, stating, “Quitting was never an option for me.” Following surgery to address a bone spur pressing against her Achilles tendon in her left heel, she prioritized her recovery, taking the necessary time to heal.
A year has passed since then, the former University of Kentucky athlete made a triumphant return to her athletic pursuits, showed her prowess at the Tom Jones Invitational. Despite her reputation in the 60m, 100m, and 200m sprints, she surprised many with a dominant victory in the 400m, demonstrating strength and resilience. As the USA Paris Olympics trials loom in June, she emerges as a top contender for a spot on the Olympic team. With no further injuries, she stands a strong chance of claiming a coveted spot on the Olympic podium.
