On Partners with Italian Middle-Distance Talent Francesco Pernici
The emerging 800m specialist joins On as he cements his place among the world’s elite middle-distance runners
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, February 16, 2026 –On is pleased to announce the addition of Italian middle-distance runner Francesco Pernici to its global athlete roster. The 22-year-old 800m specialist joins the brand during a definitive period of his career, marked by national records and a rising presence on the world stage.
Pernici’s journey to the track began at age nine. After exploring football and karate, he transitioned to athletics at the encouragement of his grandfather, who noticed his natural endurance on the football pitch. Following in the footsteps of his mother, a former athlete herself, Pernici committed fully to the 800m at age 15 and turned professional in 2023.
The 2025 season served as a breakthrough for the Brescia-born athlete. At the European U23 Championships in Bergen, he set a new Championship Record of 1:44.06. He transitioned that success to the global stage at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he finished 10th overall. His semifinal time of 1:43.84 officially broke a 41-year-old Italian U23 record, establishing him as one of the fastest young 800m runners in the world.
"Francesco’s progression over the last year has been remarkable," said Clement Houcke, Athlete Manager at On. "His tactical intelligence and ability to perform on the biggest stages align perfectly with our commitment to athletic excellence. We are proud to support such a promising talent as he enters this next chapter of his career."
Representing G.S. Fiamme Gialle, Pernici is focused on maintaining the consistency that has defined his rise through the ranks.
"I fell in love with athletics the moment I started, and I've always believed that steady work is the only way to reach your goals," said Francesco Pernici. "Joining On is a major step forward. Their focus on performance technology is exactly what I need as I prepare for the 2026 European Championships and the challenges ahead."
About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Sixteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.