Core Viewpoint - The incident involving "fastest nurse" Zhang Shuihua and her contract termination with 361 Degrees has sparked significant public discussion, highlighting the brand's marketing strategies and the implications of athlete endorsements in the sports industry [1][3][4]. Group 1: Incident Overview - Zhang Shuihua won the women's group championship at the 2025 Harbin Marathon, but expressed difficulty in taking leave from her nursing job to participate in the event, calling for support from her superiors [1][4]. - Following the incident, 361 Degrees displayed a message in their live stream indicating the termination of their contract with Zhang Shuihua, emphasizing their commitment to promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle [1][3]. - The brand has not issued a formal statement regarding the contract termination, leading to speculation about their marketing approach and athlete selection criteria [1][4]. Group 2: Endorsement Strategy - 361 Degrees has signed a total of 29 endorsers in the first half of 2025, including prominent athletes from various sports, indicating a diverse endorsement strategy [6][12]. - The brand's endorsement roster includes 13 runners, as well as notable figures from basketball, such as NBA stars Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, showcasing a broad appeal across different sports [6][12]. - The company aims to enhance brand influence and sales through partnerships with athletes, leveraging their professional image to connect with consumers [10][12]. Group 3: Advertising and Sponsorship Expenditure - 361 Degrees has consistently increased its advertising and promotional spending, surpassing 1 billion yuan annually in recent years, reflecting a growing investment in brand visibility [13][14]. - The advertising expenditure ratio reached 10.1% in the first half of 2025, marking a 6.4% year-on-year increase, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing brand presence [14]. - The brand's sponsorship of major sporting events, including the Asian Games and World Swimming Championships, further illustrates its commitment to expanding market reach and brand recognition [13][14].