After a four-year suspension for an anti-doping violation, distance runner Shelby Houlihan has signed a professional contract with Skechers. The Olympian, who maintained her innocence and blamed the result on contaminated pork, previously competed without a shoe sponsorship. Before her suspension, Houlihan was part of the Nike-backed Bowerman Track Club, but her sponsorship ended after the ban. She has been seeking a new sponsor since her return to competition in 2025.
Houlihan, 33, is the only distance runner currently sponsored by Skechers, though the company has previously supported athletes like Meb Keflezighi and Edward Cheserek. Her 2026 season has seen both strong performances and difficult results. She won The Ten in March in her 10,000-meter debut, marking the No. 10 performance in U.S. history, and was runner-up in the 5,000 meters at the U.S. Championships in July. However, she struggled at the U.S. Road 5K Championships in May and finished last in her race at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship on September 13.
A roller-coaster season and a coaching change
Houlihan described her season as a “roller coaster” with ups and downs. She switched coaches mid-season to her fiancé, Riley, after struggling mentally with her previous coach, her sister Shayla. The change has brought positive results and a mental reset. Houlihan explained that the switch was necessary for her to regain enjoyment in running and to address the mental challenges she faced during her training.
Riley has full autonomy over Houlihan’s training but values her feedback. They meet weekly at a coffee shop to maintain boundaries between their personal and professional lives. This structured approach helps them balance their relationship while focusing on her athletic goals.
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Skechers: a perfect fit
Houlihan’s approach to finding a sponsor was patient and focused on alignment in values. She trains in their Aero Spark shoe, praising its quality and responsiveness. The partnership with Skechers not only provides her with high-quality footwear but also aligns with her vision of building toward something meaningful in her career.
The sponsorship provides support and high-quality footwear, allowing Houlihan to focus on her training and goals. She aims to compete in the 2028 Olympics and set American records. With Skechers’ backing, she feels excited about the future and her potential. The deal marks a significant milestone in her journey to rebuild her career after years of uncertainty.
A Fresh Start with Skechers
The company’s support and high-quality footwear have allowed Houlihan to focus on her training and aspirations. The shoe’s design and performance have become integral to her daily routine, enhancing her training experience.
Looking Ahead: Olympic Dreams and Beyond
She aims to compete for a medal and potentially win Olympic gold. Beyond the Olympics, she wants to set American records and explore her full potential, both in her primary distances and in new challenges like the 10,000 meters.
