Olympic Competition to Sports Business: Maya Bruney's Visa Journey
Profile: Maya Bruney - Olympic track and field athlete, international competitor, now Brand Manager for Brandon Marshall's House of Athlete in Miami
The Challenge:
Maya needed two different visas at two different stages of her career:
✓ Phase 1: P-1 for athletic competition in United States
✓ Phase 2: O-1 for professional role in sports business
She needed the flexibility to compete across multiple meets and training programs, then transition smoothly into professional career.
Phase 1: P-1 Visa for Athletic Competition
Quote from Maya: "I've had the pleasure of using the petitioner service twice. First for my P-1 visa to compete in track in the United States..."
Athletic Background:
✓ Olympic competition participation
✓ International track and field meets
✓ National team representation
✓ Athletic rankings and achievements
✓ Competition records across multiple countries
IGTA P-1 Filing: Agent-based petition allowing:
✓ Competition in various track and field meets
✓ Multiple meet participation
✓ Training with various organizations
✓ Athletic career flexibility
Result: P-1 Approved
What P-1 Enabled:
✓ Competed in track and field across US
✓ Multiple meet participation
✓ Training programs nationwide
✓ Agent-based flexibility for competition schedule
Phase 2: O-1 Visa for Professional Career
Quote from Maya (continued): "...and then second for my O-1 visa to work as a Brand Manager for Brandon Marshall's House of Athlete in Miami."
Career Transition: As Maya's career evolved from active competition to sports business, she needed O-1 for professional role.
Current Role: Brand Manager Brandon Marshall's House of Athlete Miami, Florida
IGTA O-1 Filing: Leveraged athletic achievements plus professional experience to qualify for O-1 in business category.
Result: O-1 Approved
What Maya's Story Shows:
Athletes Can Transition Smoothly: From competing athlete (P-1) to sports business professional (O-1). Same petitioner relationship made transition seamless.
Agent-Based Structure Supports Career Evolution: IGTA supported Maya through both phases—athletic competition and professional career.
Competition Experience → Professional Credibility: Olympic background provides foundation for sports business roles. O-1 recognizes this trajectory.
Brandon Marshall's House of Athlete: Working for high-profile sports organization demonstrates professional achievement level.
Two Visas, One Journey:
✓ P-1: "I competed in track in the United States"
✓ O-1: "I work as a Brand Manager for Brandon Marshall's House of Athlete"
Same petitioner relationship, different visa categories as career evolved.
The Lesson:
Career Evolution Is Natural: Athletes don't compete forever. P-1 supports competition phase, O-1 supports professional phase.
Agent-Based Works at All Stages: IGTA handled both visa types as Maya's career developed. Consistent petitioner relationship simplified transitions.
Athletic Achievement → Business Career: Olympic experience provides credibility for sports business roles. Your competition career builds foundation for professional opportunities.
House of Athlete Partnership: Working for recognized sports organization demonstrates career progression from athlete to professional.