U.S. Runner Kara Goucher Reportedly In Talks To Replace Nike As Primary Sponsor

U.S. Olympian Kara Goucher, who for much of the '12 London Games "was the face of Nike distance running, may be leaving the swoosh behind," according to sources cited by Sara Germano of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. A source said that Goucher is "actively negotiating for another primary endorsement contract with other sports and apparel companies, though Nike has the potential to retain her through a contract clause that gives the company the right of first refusal." The source added that a "final deal is expected sometime in February." The potential move by Goucher, who "built her career as a Nike athlete and has lead a resurgence in the sport of American women's distance running in recent years, is one of a number of shifts by top runners as the sport enters a rebuilding year." With no World Championships or Summer Olympics in '14, "athletes and shoe companies alike have more room to take larger risks, like moving to new training hubs or signing new talent" (WSJ.com, 1/9).