After two years in the NCAA with the University of Georgia track and field program, Canada’s Christopher Morales Williams has turned pro, signing with Adidas Running. The 19-year-old from Vaughan, Ont., is poised to represent Canada for the first time at the Paris Olympic Games in August, aiming to reach the final and compete for a medal in the men’s 400m.
Morales Williams has the fastest 400m time in the world this year, running 44.05 at the 2024 SEC Championships in May. He qualified for the 2024 NCAA Track and Field Championships, which he won in 44.47 seconds to become the first Canadian male to win an individual 400m title in 84 years.
Two weeks ago in Montreal, Morales Williams won his second straight Canadian title in the 400m, securing a spot on Team Canada at his first Olympic Games. He says it’s been a long season, but he hopes to bring home a medal for Canada in the 400m event.
Christopher Morales Williams named finalist for NCAA Bowerman Award
According to several industry sources, Morales Williams was offered multiple deals from top brands after his successful collegiate season. He ended up signing a six-figure contract with Adidas, with additional performance bonuses.
The 19-year-old sprint phenom will continue to train under the tutelage of Caryl Smith Gilbert at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., while finishing his degree in ecology. Smith Gilbert also coached six-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse at the University of Southern California (USC) before turning pro.
Morales Williams made his professional debut at the Monaco Diamond League on July 12 in the men’s 400m, finishing sixth in 45.11 seconds. His journey at the Paris Olympics will begin on Sunday, Aug. 4, in the men’s 400m heats.
