Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Candice McLeod has signed a sponsorship contract with Sunshine Snacks that will see the athlete getting much-needed financial support as she prepares for the upcoming World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in the summer of 2022.

McLeod, in her first Olympic Games, was fifth in the final of the 400m. She ran a personal best of 49.51 in the semi-finals. She would win a bronze medal for Jamaica as a member of the island’s 4x400m relay team.

Under the sponsorship agreement, Sunshine Snacks will support McLeod with funds to offset her training expenses along with a healthy supply of Sun Mix fruits and nuts.

“This motivates me a lot as I gear up for my 2022 season,” she said.

“It is an honour to have Sunshine Snacks on board as I have always enjoyed Sun Mix and even took some along with me to Tokyo. For the upcoming season, look out for a ray of sunshine every time I’m on the track!”

Sunshine Snacks Brand Manager Shantall Hill-Afonso revealed on her Facebook page how the company came to sign the Olympic medalist.

“The day prior to her departure (for Tokyo) I went to meet her only to realize she was being coached and mentored by one of my favourite sporting icons – Coach (Fitz) Coleman. I shared some of her favourite snacks items as gifts for her long flight (and) she kept us abreast with her progress in Tokyo and even shared her snacks with other athletes – a true ambassador,” the Sunshine Snacks brand manager explained.

“Little did I know that her sincere love and appreciation would resonate so deep with Team Sunshine (all the way in Trinidad… (shout out) to my Marketing Manager and Chairman, who supported my proposal in a heartbeat) and her accomplishment would have resulted in this historical move on my team’s part,” Hill-Afonso continued.

“I am proud of Candice and her strides in Tokyo and beyond, but I’m even more proud of  #SunsineSnacks for making this support system happen for her!”

McLeod was also presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of her exploits in Tokyo and she will enjoy a spa day at Excellence Oyster Bay, courtesy of Sunshine Snacks.

“We’re extremely proud of our athletes’ achievements in Tokyo, and we wanted to pledge our support in a meaningful way,” said Hill-Afonso.

“Candice was the perfect choice as we’ve seen videos of her consuming Sun Mix. We are happy to help on her journey as she prepares for Oregon. Apart from our financial pledge, she will also have our delicious Sun Mix snacks in her gym bag.”