I think it was after 1987. I remember that Keith Brantly and John Tuttle were the 2 big Americans who were sponsored by them. In 88 Brantly was receiving gear from Nike and had " Team Go " screened on his singlet. John Tuttle signed with Asics. A side note. In 89 Brantly signed one of the most unusual running contracts; a 20 year deal with NB worth 25K per year. I am sure there were bonuses if he made Olympic teams, WC, etc. But the 25K was guaranteed. So fom 01-09 he was receiving 25k without competing. I know he got into investments and I read he was pretty savy with his $$$.