Olympic sponsor Coca-Cola has announced the class of Olympians set to star on its limited edition six-can packs during the 2016 Games in Rio and one name looks very familiar.
2012 Olympic gold medalist, Nathan Adrian, will represent the sport of swimming on the special cans and will be stocked on shelves along with decathlete Ashton Eaton, retired gymnast Nastia Liukin, runner Leo Manzano, Paralympian Tatyana McFadden and soccer player Alex Morgan. The athletes are slated to be prominently displayed in Coca-Cola’s packaging, retail and digital advertising efforts leading up to the Games, therefore, the cans could be just a start to the capitalization on Adrian’s in-the-pool talent and out-of-the-pool charisma.
Coca-Cola says it identified these particular athletes as those “that align with the Coca-Cola brand values and are positive role models with unique and inspiring stories. They are relatable and demonstrate hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence on and off the field of play.”
Adrian most recently clocked a brand new American record in semi-finals of the men’s 50m freestyle (21.37) at the 2015 World Championships before ultimately winning silver in the event in Kazan. The former California Bear also earned gold as part of the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay and men’s 4x100m medley relay at the meet.
Timing of this special packaging, as well as the overall marketing strategy of the brand will be revealed on a to-be-determined date.
This is the second time my favorite male swimmer, Adrian, has raised some eyebrows with his choice of partnerships– the first time as a spokesman for the then-controversial Salvation Army charity, and now slinging gun cleaner for some extra cash. But if you’re leery about actually drinking Coke, with all the phosphoric acid and other goodies, here are 20 Practical Uses for Coca Cola– (#15 caught my eye: “Got a dirty pool? Adding two 2-liter bottles of Coke clears up rust.”)
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2013/09/22/what-happens-to-our-body-after-drinking-coca-cola/
That said, Irish Ringer is dead right about almond “milk”– I read recently that it’s actually almond water, and at that, only 1% almond, 99% water- big ripoff! Flavored waters are OK,… Read more »
Now if it was glass bottle, Mexican coke, I’d be all over it!
You guys are talking about coca-cola as if it were blood diamonds…. yeesh.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with drinking coke in moderation (and even in excess if you are genetically blessed with a great metabolism).
I beleive , by experience , that too much ” REFINED ” SUGAR is certainly awfull for anyone’s health . The white sugar u put into your coffee is pure poison ( but u only experience it’s nasty side effects later in life – and that’s the trick ) – many say , in small quantities , it’s fine but actually most people take seriously more than just a small amount / daily . Wondering why so many have arthritis ? Excema ? allergies ? and many other disorders of the body / mind functionalities . Have many Obese kids in The Usa eat super high quantities of refined sugar products ? 98 % do without a single doubt .… Read more »
Considering swimmers make no money compared to pro athletes good for Nathan….how can any of you judge him for making some real cash? Nobody is telling you to drink coke or let you children drink it. Let the guy make some cash before his career is done
Very disappointing. First Sharapova with her sugapova, now Adrian and others. You’d hope these athletes would be more responsible but the money is too good I guess.
Good for Nathan!
Soda drink keeps you growing tall and powerful!
As Bobo Gigi has been saying lately, we need TALL and POWERFUL sprinters, just like Nathan!
As long as he doesn’t drink the stuff himself, I’m fine with it. Happy to see a swimmer get paid that way.
That is disappointing. Adrian was a public health major in college – I would’ve expected more from him than to promote soda, which is linked to childhood obesity and diabetes.
Yeah, he should sponsor almond milk or something that gets the food police’s stamp of approval.
Morphine addicted Confederate war veteran adapts French opoid-alcohol refreshment into America’s national drink . Sadly today no alcohol & no cocaine .
If there is a link between soda and childhood obesity, then that link is called irresponsible parenting. Don’t get me wrong, I have no illusions about the nutritional content of soda. Still, no kid with an active lifestyle is going to get obese if he or she just has a coke with dinner every night.
A can of soda with dinner every night? What’s wrong with water?
Absolutely nothing. I prefer water, myself. The point that was apparently missed here is that soda can only cause obesity in cases of mass consumption. One per day, while not contributing to a healthy diet, isn’t going to harm anything.
A soda once in a while won’t kill you.
Good for Nathan! EZ way to fix your complaint is for parents to not buy the stuff or allow it’s consumption when out with their kids. People need to stop blaming the products and show a little responsibility.
I’m sure the $$$ outweighed the potential impacts. Don’t blame him one bit.
And SMH at people thinking that obesity is all about the individual. There is a reason companies like Coke spend a gazillion dollars on advertising and to ensure that their products are in front of your face at all times.