The Olympic Games not only brought gold for athletes and their countries, but also for the companies that outfitted them with their gear.

 

German companies Adidas and Puma – the second and third-biggest makers of athletic apparel, respectively – both reported increased exposure and demand during the

Beijing games which ended on Sunday in China.

 

Retailers in Bahrain have seen a steady increase in sportswear sales coinciding with the success and TV coverage of the world’s biggest event and spurred on by the kingdom’s winning its first ever medal.

 

Although Rashid Ramzi won the 1,500 metres race, many youngsters want to imitate the amazing triple gold sprinter Usain Bolt.

 

“We’ve had kids coming in saying they want to look like Lighting! The Jamaican star has inspired many youngsters,” said one Seef Mall retailer.

Adidas and Puma, based in Herzogenaurach, trail global leader Nike Inc, who make the the running shoes worn by Bahrain’s Gold Medal hero, Rashid Ramzi.

Adidas said sales in China increased more than 60 per cent in the first half of 2008 making China the second-largest market after the US for the company.

“We are well on track to reach our sales target of more than $1.47 billion for the Adidas Group in China by 2010,” said Herbert Hainer, the company’s chief executive in a statement from Beijing.

By becoming market leader in China, Adidas said it sees itself closer to its aim of becoming the world’s leading sports brand.

The company will try to continue its mission by preparing for the next Summer Olympics in London in 2012, where Adidas will again be official sportswear partner, Erich

Stamminger, the president of the Adidas brand in Beijing said.

Business rival Puma also profited from the Olympic Games, especially by outfitting the Jamaican team and its star sprinter Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt, who won three gold

medals and made three world records.

“We once again set new standards and made sports history, strengthening and expanding our position as one of the leading running brands,” said Puma CEO Jochen Zeitz.

Both sport brands sponsored 16 national teams each during the Olympic Games in Beijing.