Tony the Tiger says: Michael Phelps is Gr-r-r-eight!
If eight Beijing Olympic gold medals and a Sports Illustrated cover weren't proof enough, Tony the Tiger on Tuesday issued a news release stating that Michael Phelps is "Gr-r-r-eight!"
Tony said that Phelps will be featured on Kellogg's Corn Flakes and Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereal boxes that will hit store shelves in mid-September. The boxes will include images of Phelps from the Beijing Games.
Why Corn Flakes and not rival Wheaties?
Tony's associate, Mara Cyhan, vice president of global promotions for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company explained it this way:
As an official sponsor of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and a proud sponsor of Phelps, it is only fitting that Kellogg Co. feature this world-class athlete on its iconic boxes of Kellogg's Corn Flakes and Kellogg's Frosted Flakes cereals. Michael embodies the values behind our Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes program. He knows that winning is not just about the glory that comes with gold medals, but about good sportsmanship, working hard and being your best.
Phelps isn't the first Olympian to get his mug on a Kellogg's cereal box. Past athletes have included: Kristi Yamaguchi, Bonnie Blaire, Dan Jansen, Scott Hamilton.
-- Greg Johnson
Updated at 10:06 a.m. with names of other athletes who've been on Kellogg's cereal boxes.
Photo: Michael Phelps at a Monday press conference in Beijing. Credit: China Photos / Getty Images
