Ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics and 2026 Commonwealth Games, Brooks is stepping in as the footwear sponsor for the Team New Zealand.
The American running brand will provide the footwear worn by athletes at opening and closing ceremonies, medal ceremonies and within the athlete villages. Product designed specifically for the nation will debut next week in Glasglow as the Commonwealth Games begin, and updates will be made for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“The New Zealand Team represents some of the most dedicated and inspiring athletes in the world, and we’re incredibly excited to support them through this new footwear partnership as they strive for greatness on the biggest global stages,” Garrett Heath, Brooks head of Sports Marketing, said in a press release. “At Brooks, we’re laser focused on providing athletes with the tools they need to show up as their best selves at Games time — whether that’s in the call room, on the podium, or during the final days of preparation in the Village.”
Although Brooks has never sponsored an Olympics team before, it outfitted Chile at the 2010 World Cup. The brand’s current slate of Olympic runners includes British silver medalist Josh Kerr and Americans Clayton Young, Brandon Miller and Aliphine Tuliamuk.
Desiree Linden, a two-time American Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon winner, spent the entirety of her professional career with Brooks until retiring in 2025 and has been its chief running advisor since 2022.
“I was born with club feet, so I need cushioning, arch support and a shoe that keeps my feet feeling supported,” New Zealand para cyclist said. “Outside of racing, there’s a lot going on in a Games setting, and having footwear that’s high quality and comfortable makes a real difference over long days. That comfort lets me focus on what matters.”
New Zealand native brand Kathmandu signed a four-year deal with the country’s Olympic committee to become its apparel sponsor in 2025.
