American 400-meter champion Kendall Ellis turned a potentially disastrous situation into a golden opportunity. After getting stuck in a porta-potty before her Olympic trials, Ellis not only secured her spot on the U.S. team but also landed a sponsorship deal with toilet paper giant Charmin.
From Porta-Potty Panic to Olympic Glory
Ellis found herself trapped in a porta-potty for 10 minutes during the U.S. track trials in June. Fearing her Olympic dreams might be flushed away, she frantically called for help. Luckily, a worker heard her cries and came to her rescue.
Despite this setback, Ellis went on to win both the semifinal and final races. Her personal-best times of 49.81 seconds in the semifinal and 49.46 seconds in the final secured her spot on the Olympic team.
Charmin Partnership: A Perfect Match
Following her porta-potty predicament, Ellis caught the attention of toilet paper manufacturer Charmin. The company saw a unique opportunity and offered her a sponsorship deal. Ellis described the partnership as “the perfect fit.”
This sponsorship provides Ellis with much-needed financial support. According to a 2023 survey, 82% of U.S. Olympic athletes make less than $100,000 annually. For Ellis, this deal represents both financial security and a chance to turn an embarrassing moment into a positive outcome.
Comfort and Familiarity in the Olympic Village
Ellis’s partnership with Charmin extends beyond financial benefits. The Olympian emphasizes the importance of maintaining her routines while competing abroad. Having familiar toilet paper in the Olympic Village helps her feel more at home.
“As an athlete, I’m very regimented, so being able to replicate the same feeling of being at home helps me go the distance,” Ellis shared. She added, “Charmin is there for me from the backside to the trackside!”
Looking Ahead to Olympic Success
This is her second Olympic appearance, following her contributions to gold and bronze medal-winning relay teams in Tokyo 2020.
Ellis is now set to compete for an individual medal in the women’s 400-meter event. With her newfound sponsorship and renewed confidence, she’s ready to face the challenges ahead and make her mark on the Olympic stage. She has already qualified for the semi-finals of the event.
