Running News Daily

Swiss sportswear company On has officially launched its first professional sprint group, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s growing involvement in elite track and field.

The newly established OAC Sprint Group will be based in Los Angeles and coached by respected sprint coach John “JB” Bolton. The inaugural roster includes American sprinters Max Thomas, Samirah Moody, and Johnny Brackins alongside Ghanaian international Benjamin Azamati.

The move represents On’s first dedicated venture into professional sprinting after building its reputation primarily through distance running and endurance-based training groups. With the creation of the Los Angeles-based program, the company now joins a growing list of athletics brands investing directly in specialized athlete development environments.

Azamati enters the group as one of Africa’s most recognized sprinters, having represented Ghana at major international championships and Olympic competition. Thomas, Moody, and Brackins are among a new wave of American sprint athletes transitioning into the professional ranks.

Bolton will oversee the team’s training and athlete development as preparations begin for the upcoming athletics season.

The announcement adds another notable development to the evolving professional track and field landscape, where global brands continue to expand their investment in athlete-centered performance programs. 

Rising American sprinter Max Thomas delivered a statement performance at the Florida Relays, storming to a sensational 9.90 seconds in the men’s 100m. The blistering run not only secured him a dominant victory but also marked a new personal best, underlining his rapid ascent among the world’s elite sprinters.

Exploding out of the blocks with precision and maintaining flawless top-end speed, Thomas controlled the race from start to finish. His 9.90 effort now propels him to second on the 2026 world toplist, instantly placing him in the global spotlight and signaling his readiness to challenge the very best on the international stage.

Behind him, fellow American Malachi Adams clocked 10.15 seconds in the same section, showing strong form in a highly competitive field. Meanwhile, Christian Miller secured second place overall after winning his section in 10.12 seconds, reinforcing his consistency and competitive edge.

The race unfolded as a showcase of emerging sprint talent, with Thomas’ electrifying performance standing out as the defining moment of the event. As the season gathers momentum, his breakthrough run in Florida sends a clear message: a new force has arrived in men’s sprinting, and the battle for global supremacy in 2026 is only just beginning.

Beyond the headline time, Thomas’ execution reflected a sprinter coming into full maturity. His transition phase was smooth and controlled, allowing him to build momentum efficiently before unleashing a powerful drive through the final meters. Such technical sharpness, combined with raw speed, suggests that his 9.90 may only be the beginning, with even faster performances likely as the season progresses.

With the global sprint scene heating up ahead of major championships, all eyes will now turn to Thomas and his next appearances on the circuit. If this performance is any indication, he is no longer just a promising talent but a genuine contender, capable of challenging established names and reshaping the hierarchy of the men’s 100m.