Kendall Ellis, the American 400-meter champion, faced a panic-inducing experience when she was trapped in a porta-potty for ten minutes before the U.S. track trials. After being freed, she went on to win her semifinal and final races, securing her place in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following this ordeal, she signed a sponsorship deal with Charmin, a toilet paper company, which she described as a perfect fit given her recent experience. Despite the challenges, Ellis remains focused on her upcoming race, having a history of success in relay events at the Tokyo Olympics. She noted that only a small percentage of Olympic athletes earn substantial incomes, making sponsorships crucial for their livelihoods. Ellis shared her fear of small spaces, stating her experience was terrifying but ultimately led to a positive turn in her career.