from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution
Trackstar Trammell looks to outfit athletes with uniform line
By David Markiewicz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2:53 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Two-time Olympic silver medalist hurdler Terrence Trammell still competes internationally, but the 31-year-old Atlantan and Southwest DeKalb High School graduate may already have found a second act.
On July 4, Trammell plans to officially launch Trackstar Apparel, a line of high-performance athletic wear to include custom-designed uniforms for teams and individual athletes in several sports, as well as apparel for the "everyday athlete." Initially, he intends to sell through contracts and an online retail shop.
Trammell said he saw a need for a more stylish yet performance-oriented line of uniforms and decided to start the company three years ago.
"I've always loved uniforms," Trammell said. "My mother did a lot of sewing when I was younger. She was always very creative with garments and I guess it was one of those things that lays dormant until you have an experience and want to do it yourself."
Trammell did his own designs and financed the company himself, he said, using his track earnings.
"I wanted to put something together that I liked," he said, "and go with my instincts."
Trackstar products received an endorsement from an early user.
Southwest DeKalb track coach Jabari Cobb said his boys squad wore Trackstar uniforms and "loved" both the look and the fit. He said he plans to order more.
Mike May, a spokesperson for the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, said it will be difficult but not impossible for Trammell to crack the athletic wear industry.
"There are some very established brands," he said. "And when it comes to athletic apparel, brands mean a lot. He needs to use his contacts, and it had better be good quality."
May noted the success of the Under Armour brand, a recent upstart label that's become a major success.
Trammell said that for now he has what amounts to two full-time jobs, but, "I've really enjoyed it. I'm not trying to shorten my track career, but I often joke that Trackstar might make me hang up my spikes a little early."
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