Former KU track star Bryce Hoppel signs first pro contract
By Logan Fricks
![LIMA, PERU - AUGUST 09: Bryce Hoppel of United States competes in Men's 800m Semifinal on Day 14 of Lima 2019 Pan American Games at Athletics Stadium of Villa Deportiva Nacional on August 09, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) LIMA, PERU - AUGUST 09: Bryce Hoppel of United States competes in Men's 800m Semifinal on Day 14 of Lima 2019 Pan American Games at Athletics Stadium of Villa Deportiva Nacional on August 09, 2019 in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5801cefba8be66cd147cbcc0fc012668f66c3197c061471e2b342b6d2e64886a.jpg)
Former Kansas track and field star Bryce Hoppel announced via his Twitter he would be signing a pro contract with Adidas.
Proud to be continuing the three stripe life /// @adidasrunning #HereToCreate
— Bryce Hoppel (@BryceHoppel) August 17, 2019
Full Statement: https://t.co/dmOf5AUv1q pic.twitter.com/DTwSPZrcDR
“I am excited to venture into the professional world as a part of the adidas family and to wear the three stripes with pride,” Hoppel said in a statement. “With adidas it seemed to almost be destined. From the start, they showed strong interest in me, as I did for them, and we came to a swift agreement.”
On July 30, Hoppel announced his decision to turn pro through a letter he penned to the fans. The letter came after Hoppel finished third at the 2019 USATF Outdoor Championships two days prior.
On August 8, Hoppel competed in the finals in the PanAmerican Games, where he finished fourth overall in the 800 with a time of 1:47:48.
Hoppel’s illustrious career at Kansas included two national championships, five all-american appearances, a school record in the indoor 800-meter run and a perfect 19-0 record in individual races his junior season.
Hoppel will continue his professional career at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar from September 26 to October 6.