Matthew Mitcham - Lickable Yes, But Sponsorable?

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Local News,By gnosis, 8th September, 2008

                               
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        While you’ll soon be able to give Matthew Mitcham a good licking,the Aussie diver has yet to secure a big sponsorship deal, despite hisgold medal win.
Mitcham and every other Australian Olympic gold medal winner is tobe honoured with a special Olympic stamp issued by Australia Post. Forthis Mitcham will receive $17,400 for the use of his image and anadditional $17,400 bonus from Adidas but the openly-gay athlete has yetto secure a major sponsor.
With Mitcham’s gold medal performance, along with his good looks andhis ability to articulate himself, some in the media are beginning toquestion whether his decision to out himself prior to the games ispreventing him from getting major sponsorship deals similar to the onesStephanie Rice has secured with both Davenport and Channel Seven for$700,000.
Stephanie Rice’s manager Chris White told the Sydney Morning Heraldthat he didn’t think Mitcham’s sexuality would hold him back fromsponsorships. “It’s about consistency of performance and personality,”says White. “Swimming is a sport with huge interest in Australia andsponsors are attracted to it.”
Mitcham’s mother has told the Herald that Matt was concerned abouthis sexuality impacting on sponsorship but insists “everybody hascaught up now”.
Mitcham is currently off vacationing with his partner, LachlanFletcher, in France and isn’t expected to be back in Australia untilnext month. He’s also yet to do any major interviews since the end ofthe Games last month. However, he did turn down a reported $25,000“tell-all” offer from gossip mag Woman’s Day.
In the meantime, speculation about possible future sponsorship dealsis rife with Gold Coast website, Down Under, reporting a rumour thatMatt is set to sign a sponsorship deal with a Australian nationalcorporation.
Whatever sponsorship deals Matt can secure, the gay community inAustralia can’t wait for his return. Mitcham is now the hot favouriteto lead next year’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. New Mardi Gras GMAnna McInerney told the Herald: “Matt is someone we’re considering,along with a few others, and we’re keen to have a discussion with him.But it’s not a done deal.”