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Michael Phelps - Eight Olympic Medals |
Wheaties Honors Three American Champions
August 2004 (Newstream) -- Three of America's newest champions are coming to a breakfast table near you. On August 30 in Athens, Wheaties, "The Breakfast of Champions," announced the release of new special-edition packages honoring record-breaking swimmer Michael Phelps, gymnastics champion Carly Patterson, and sprinter Justin Gatlin.
Baltimore's Michael Phelps established himself as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. He won a total of eight medals, more than anyone in history in a non-boycotted year. He earned six gold medals - in the 100 and 200 meter butterfly, 200 and 400 meter individual medley, the 4 x 100 meter medley relay, and the 4 x 200 meter freestyle relay. His two bronze medals came in the 200 meter freestyle and the 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay. All told, including preliminary events, he swam in a total of 17 races in Athens, winning in 13 of them. In doing so, Phelps broke nine records.
"Being on the cover of the Wheaties box is something that most athletes strive for," Phelps said. "It's a great honor for me to join the Wheaties family."
Carly Patterson became the first American woman to win gold in the gymnastics all-around since former Wheaties champion Mary Lou Retton accomplished that feat in 1984. Patterson also captured a silver in the Americans' second-place showing in the team competition, and an individual silver in the balance beam. She was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and currently resides in Allen, Texas. Patterson says she was inspired by the gold-medal-winning "Magnificent Seven" gymnastics team that also was featured on a Wheaties box. She still keeps that box in her room at home.
"Being featured on the Wheaties box is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication," Patterson said. "I hope this inspires every young girl to believe in herself and always strive for her dreams."
Justin Gatlin earned the title of "The World's Fastest Man" by taking gold in the 100 meter finals. Gatlin also earned a bronze in the 200 meter, and was part of the silver-medal-winning 4 x 100 meter relay team. A native of Brooklyn, Gatlin currently resides and trains in Raleigh, N.C., and was a standout at the University of Tennessee.
"It's a privilege for me to represent my team and defend our country's place at the top of the sprinting world," Gatlin said. "And to be honored with my own Wheaties box is a great thrill."
"There were obviously many impressive performances over the past two weeks, but we feel that these three athletes truly captured the country's imagination. All of our athletes did a remarkable job representing our country, and we applaud them all for their distinguished efforts," said Wheaties Marketing Manager Brian Kittelson. "We think that Michael, Carly and Justin really represent the very best of the championship ideals that have made Wheaties 'The Breakfast of Champions' for nearly 80 years. Their dedication, commitment and pursuit of excellence have inspired us all."
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