MEET THE WILD ONES
THE PUMA ATHLETES RUNNING THE WORLD
Read time: 4 minutes
For too long, success in sport was measured by sacrifice. By grinding, by winning, by pushing through. But at PUMA, we’ve always believed in something bigger. Something bolder. Sport isn’t just about victory; it’s about the joy of movement, the fire within, and the passion that makes us feel alive. It’s about unlocking your authentic self and in turn, unleashing your greatness.
That’s what Go Wild is all about. And no one embodies this spirit more than The Wild Ones.
They don’t follow trends; they create them. They turn obstacles into fuel, rewriting what’s possible. They play their game their way. They’re bold, fearless, and unapologetic. The Wild Ones prove that greatness isn’t about fitting in. It’s about standing out.
Now, they’re here to inspire you.
MEET THE WILD ONES
DAKOTAH POPEHN
Some thought of her as an unlikely contender. She proved them all wrong. From a childhood marked by struggle, including homelessness, to striding onto a college track team, Dakotah Popehn’s journey is all down to determination.
She balanced a career with elite training, winning the 2021 Grandma’s Marathon and setting a personal best at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Now, as an Olympic bronze medalist, she doesn’t just run for medals. She runs for the “why not me?” mindset that keeps her ahead of the pack.
USAIN BOLT
Records are meant to be broken. Unless you’re Usain Bolt. A name that echoes through Olympic history, Bolt didn’t just win races. He rewrote what was possible. The only man to claim the 100m and 200m double at multiple Olympics, he holds world records that may never fall: 9.58 seconds in the 100m, a jaw-dropping 19.19 in the 200m.
But Bolt’s greatness isn’t just in his personal bests. It’s in his DNA. His electrifying charisma. His relentless pursuit of speed despite battling scoliosis throughout his career. From 2004 to 2016, he ruled the track, earning eight Olympic gold medals and global legend status. And he did it on his own terms.
TOMMIE SMITH
Living proof that it only takes one second to create a legacy. On October 16, 1968, Tommie Smith didn’t just win Olympic gold—he made history. Raising his fist during the medal ceremony, he delivered a Silent Gesture that still echoes today.
Smith embodies greatness. He was a force on the track. The first man to run the 200m in under 20 seconds, a multiple NCAA champion, and a world record-setter.
A Wild One whose impact will never fade, he dedicated his post-sports life to education and activism, coaching future generations and earning a place in the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2019.
NEYMAR
A player like no other. Before dazzling the world, Neymar honed his craft on the streets of Brazil. At 14, he impressed Real Madrid, but his heart remained in Brazil. Joining Santos FC’s youth academy in 2003, he began ascent to legend status.
From winning the UEFA Champions League to Olympic gold, Neymar has cemented himself among football’s elite. The most expensive player in history, his name is synonymous with creativity, skill, and the pursuit of glory. But for Neymar, it’s never been about the price tag. It’s about his pure love of the game and his ability to express himself.
HUNTER MCINTYRE
Hunter McIntyre isn’t just a six-time world champion, he’s a force. A record-breaker. A personality that refuses to be ignored. But his road wasn’t easy. A talented wrestler and cross-country runner in high school, he also battled personal struggles before finding his calling in OCR.
He turned adversity into an unstoppable drive. In 2023, he set a world record in Stockholm (53:22). Now, he’s chasing something bigger than accolades. He’s here to inspire you to push beyond limits, mental and physical.
LAMELO BALL
A playmaker built for the spotlight. From the moment LaMelo Ball stepped onto an NBA court, the game changed. Selected third overall in the 2020 draft, he wasted no time making history, becoming the youngest player to rack up 1,000 points, 500 assists, and 200 three-pointers in a season.
With his signature flair, instinctive creativity, and undeniable confidence, he took home NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and earned All-Star status in 2022. LaMelo doesn’t just play basketball. He redefines it effortlessly, fearlessly and unapologetically.
The Wild Ones are a testament to the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of greatness. And they all embody our new brand DNA – Go Wild.
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