ANTA Athletes Represent at Paris
Arguably the largest sporting event of 2024 is well underway in Paris. It’s been nothing short of amazing with extreme performances of power, endurance, and world-class athleticism. Among the numerous athletes that have taken to the stages of Paris and those still waiting to race, play, and compete, there are several that have chosen to wear ANTA as they face some of the biggest moments of their lives. This kind of challenge is not an everyday event, which means everything from their mental
Kenenisa Bekele Is In It for the Long Haul
Let’s get to know Kenenisa Bekele, the famous long-distance runner who at 42 years of age is returning to the international stage. An Ethiopian runner known for his dominance in several races, he holds world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m from 2004 to 2020, won gold in both events at the 2008 Beijing, and secured multiple World Championship titles.
As one of the most successful runners in IAAF World Cross Country Championships history, Bekele also boasts impressive marathon victories, including the 2014 Paris Marathon and the 2016 and 2019 Berlin Marathons. His incredibly extraordinary achievements in running have earned him the title of the greatest distance runner of all time.
After sadly being overlooked for selection to go to the Tokyo back in 2020, Bekele made it clear he was keen on making it back to this prestigious international stage. He came in second at the 2024 London Marathon, cinching a place for Ethiopia in the 2024 Paris. Keep an eye out for him, as he’ll be sporting the ANTA C10 Pro Running shoes while going for gold in what may be one of his last major races.
3x3 Dream Team from the USA
Shifting from running to basketball, we’d like to introduce you to the USA’s 3x3 basketball team. 3x3 basketball, or streetball, is a super fast, high-energy version of traditional basketball. Played with three players per team on a half-court with just one hoop, it’s all about quick moves and non-stop action. With only 12 seconds to shoot, every game is a sprint to 21 points or 10 minutes of heart-pounding excitement. It’s so cool, it even made it to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics!
This stunning team is made up of Jimmer Fredette, Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, and Dylan Travis. Let’s get to know the team.
Jimmer Fredette is an American basketball player known for his exceptional scoring and three-point shooting. Drafted 10th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, Fredette played for several NBA teams, including the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks, but struggled to find a consistent role. He achieved greater success overseas, particularly in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with the Shanghai Sharks, where he won the MVP award in 2017. A strong cornerstone of the US team, he’s wearing USA-themed KAI 1 on the court in this year’s international competition.
Canyon Barry, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry, has carved out his own path in the basketball world. Known for his unique underhand free-throw shooting style, which he inherited from his father. Following his college career, Barry has played professionally in various leagues, showcasing his versatile skills as a shooting guard and small forward.
Dylan Travis is a dynamic basketball player known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court. In addition to his traditional basketball endeavors, Travis has also excelled in the 3x3 basketball format, representing the United States in FIBA 3x3 competitions and earning a reputation for his sharpshooting and tenacious defense.
And to round out the team is Kareem Maddox. A versatile basketball player known for his impressive skills on both ends of the court, Maddox has made a name for himself in the 3x3 basketball circuit, representing the United States in FIBA 3x3 competitions and earning recognition for his athleticism and strategic play. Kareem wears one of ANTA’s upcoming shoes.
Eileen Gu Switches to Running in ANTA C202 5 GT
Eileen Gu, also known as Gu Ailing, is a remarkable freestyle skier and model who has made waves in the world of winter sports. Born in the United States to a Chinese mother, Gu chose to represent China in international competitions. She has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in freestyle skiing, earning multiple medals in events such as the X Games and the Winter Youth Olympics. In addition to her athletic prowess, Gu balances her sports career with modeling, having worked with major fashion brands and appearing in prominent magazines. Her unique blend of athleticism, grace, and cultural diplomacy has made her an inspiring figure on and off the slopes.
In this year’s Paris competition, the two-time gold medalist has revealed she’s taking part in the public marathon in Paris, a depart from her normal event and with less than the usual time recommended to run a marathon. She will wear ANTA C202 5 GT, a comfy set of running shoes sure to help her in her ambitious quest to finish a marathon with virtually no experience.
There are plenty of ANTA athletes making moves this summer in Paris, and there are plenty of exciting events to watch. Discover more about the ANTA brand by visiting the website or checking out specific products to help you reach your goals on the court, on the track, or outside!
