Tom Farrell has signed a new contract with one of the world’s largest sports companies.

Carlisle athlete Farrell’s fresh deal with Nike UK will run for the next full Olympic cycle, leading into Tokyo 2020.

The length of the contract is an indication from Nike of the Olympian’s ambitions to continue competing at the biggest athletics tournaments around the world.

It also allows a plan to be put in place involving the Nike-funded Oregon Track Club Elite, which Farrell is a member of, and his British coach Mark Rowland, who is based in the US.

“I’m delighted in the confidence that Nike have shown in me,” Farrell said.

“I’m very excited and confident about the future, and believe I have one of the world’s best endurance coaches in Mark Rowland.

“I have a great bunch of world class team-mates that I live and train with in Oregon and I believe I have everything in place to maximise my potential.

“I’m also supported by British Athletics and the National Lottery, which have proved invaluable during my developmental years.

“The next four years are critical in my development and I intend to give it my best shot and leave no stone unturned.”

He added: “Nike expressed interest quite early that they wanted to sign me, which is really pleasing.

“In an industry where there is not that much money when you compare it to football, it’s certainly good to have a degree of security.”

The 25-year-old first turned professional and signed for Nike in 2014.

Despite the new contract, Farrell will still retain his membership and continue to run for Border Harriers when he does return home to Cumbria.

Farrell missed out on the London 2012 Olympic Games through injury but did compete in the 5,000m event at the Rio Olympics last year.

Tennis star Roger Federer, basketball player LeBron James, golfer Rory McIlroy, and GB team-mate Mo Farah are among the highest profile sporting names to receive support from Nike.