Bahamian sprint and long jump standout Anthaya Charlton has officially signed a professional contract with Puma, ending weeks of speculation about her next move after a sensational 2025 collegiate season.
On Friday, Charlton made the announcement via Instagram, posting a photo of herself clad in Puma gear with the caption: “Allow me to reintroduce myself💜 #PUMA” — confirming that the global sportswear giant will sponsor her professional journey.
The revelation comes a month after Charlton told Sportsmax.TV in an exclusive interview that she had signed a professional contract but declined to name her sponsor at the time.
“I am going pro this year,” she said then. “I’ve signed already.”
Now, with the deal public, Charlton brings her collegiate career to a close after a breakout season with the Florida Gators that saw her run a stunning personal best of 10.87 seconds to win her 100m semifinal at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. That time, achieved with legal wind, makes her the second-fastest Bahamian woman in history — trailing only Chandra Sturrup’s national record of 10.84.
Charlton, who is the younger sister of World Indoor 60m hurdles record holder Devynne Charlton, who is also a Puma athlete, has also made her mark in the field. She holds the Bahamian national record in the long jump at 6.98m, underlining her versatility as one of the region’s most promising athletes.
Having graduated from the University of Florida this spring, Charlton leaves the collegiate ranks with her sights set firmly on the global stage — now backed by a brand synonymous with Caribbean sprinting greatness.
With her speed, range, and rising profile, Anthaya Charlton’s professional career is poised to be just as electric as her time in NCAA competition.
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